Attack Definition & Meaning

attack
noun
  1. (military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons); "the attack began at dawn"
  2. an offensive move in a sport or game; "they won the game with a 10-hit attack in the 9th inning"
  3. intense adverse criticism; "Clinton directed his fire at the Republican Party"; "the government has come under attack"; "don't give me any flak"
  4. ideas or actions intended to deal with a problem or situation; "his approach to every problem is to draw up a list of pros and cons"; "an attack on inflation"; "his plan of attack was misguided"
  5. the act of attacking; "attacks on women increased last year"; "they made an attempt on his life"
  6. a decisive manner of beginning a musical tone or phrase
  7. a sudden occurrence of an uncontrollable condition; "an attack of diarrhea"
  8. the onset of a corrosive or destructive process (as by a chemical agent); "the film was sensitive to attack by acids"; "open to attack by the elements"
  9. strong criticism; "he published an unexpected attack on my work"
verb
  1. launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with; "Hitler attacked Poland on September 1, 1939 and started World War II"; "Serbian forces assailed Bosnian towns all week"
  2. attack in speech or writing; "The editors of the left-leaning paper attacked the new House Speaker"
  3. take the initiative and go on the offensive; "The Serbs attacked the village at night"; "The visiting team started to attack"
  4. attack someone physically or emotionally; "The mugger assaulted the woman"; "Nightmares assailed him regularly"
  5. set to work upon; turn one's energies vigorously to a task; "I attacked the problem as soon as I got out of bed"
  6. begin to injure; "The cancer cells are attacking his liver"; "Rust is attacking the metal"

"Attack" in song lyrics

See how attack is used in real songs:

  • "Stamina black panel I jack with the hammer attack"
    60 Second Assassin f/ C.C.F. Division, La the Darkman, Prodigal Sunn, RZA, Timbo King — War Zone (Remix)
  • "I rhyme like we under attack"
    7L & Esoteric f/ Celph Titled, Karma, Trademarc — Warlords
  • "Here the ground assault, now face an air attack"
    7L & Esoteric — Boxcutter Rap

Words that rhyme with attack

Usage tips for "attack"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "attack" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for attack to find words that pair well.

Use "attack" in a verse

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