attack
Definitions
To use violent force against a person or place; to assault
攻击，袭击（对人或地方使用暴力）
To criticize someone or something strongly
抨击，猛烈批评
A violent act intended to hurt or damage
攻击，袭击
Strong criticism; a sudden onset of illness
抨击；（疾病的）突然发作
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedSame origin as attach: from French attaquer, 'to fasten oneself onto' an enemy. To attack was first to grab hold and engage in combat. The 'fastening on' faded and the hostility remained, giving today's 'assault.' The same image survives in 'an attack of fever' — illness fastening onto you.
Root attach still carries 6 more wordsWhy It Means This
attack and attach are the same word in disguise. French attaquer meant 'to fasten onto' an opponent — to grip and engage. As warfare took over the word, the peaceful 'fasten' meaning split off into attach, and attaquer kept the fight, becoming attack. This is why both still carry the idea of latching onto something — an enemy, or a fever that 'attacks' you.
Common Collocations
- 1.launch an attack发动攻击
- 2.under attack受到攻击
- 3.come under attack遭到攻击
- 4.attack on对……的攻击
- 5.heart attack心脏病发作
Example Sentences
- 1.
Rebel forces attacked the city at dawn.
- 2.
Critics attacked the new policy as unfair.
- 3.
The attack left several people injured.
- 4.
He suffered a sudden attack of asthma.
Synonym Comparison
- attack — broadest: physical or verbal assault
- assault — a sudden, violent physical attack, often legal/military register
- assail — to attack repeatedly or with great force, often figurative (assailed by doubts)
- raid — a swift surprise attack to seize or destroy, then withdraw
- strike — to attack hard and quickly, often a single decisive blow