218 Another Word for Attack? – Attack Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say attack differently? Here are other words for attack and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of attack

The primary meaning of the word "attack" is to take aggressive action against someone or something.

Etymology of attack

The word "attack" comes from the Old French word "attacher", which is derived from "a" (to) and "tacher" (to stick or attach), and originally meant to take hold of or seize something
The word has been used in English since the 15th century, initially with the meaning of "to take hold of" or "to seize", and later developing its modern meanings of aggressive action, criticism, or opposition

Synonyms

assault strike raid onslaught invasion offense aggression charge onslaught foray incursion invasion bombardment barrage salvo broadside critique censure condemnation denunciation rebuke reproach reproof scolding admonition castigation chastisement admonishment reproval reprimand upbraid berate vilify excoriate lambast savage pillory attack accuse blame criticize condemn denounce reprehend censure rebuke reprove scold admonish castigate chastise reproach reprimand upbraid berate vilify excoriate lambast savage pillory

Definitions

  • To take aggressive action against someone or something, typically with the intention of injuring or damaging them
  • To criticize or oppose someone or something strongly
  • To start playing more aggressively or competitively, typically in a sport
  • To affect or infect someone or something, typically in a harmful or damaging way

Usage Examples

  • The army launched a surprise attack on the enemy's stronghold
  • She launched a scathing attack on the government's policy in her speech
  • The team will attack the ball more aggressively in the second half
  • The disease attacks the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections

Antonyms

defense protection safeguard preservation conservation security safety immunity exemption reprieve pardon acquittal vindication justification defense apology justification rationalization excuse defense shielding guarding preserving conserving securing saving protecting defending upholding supporting backing endorsing approving commending praising lauding extolling

Related Adjectives

aggressive violent hostile belligerent bellicose combative pugnacious contentious argumentative critical disapproving condemnatory denunciatory reproachful scolding admonitory castigatory chastening defensive protective preservative conservative secure safe immune exempt defensive apologetic justificatory rationalizing excusatory defensive shielding guarding preserving conserving securing saving protecting defending upholding supporting backing endorsing approving commending praising laudatory extolling

Related Nouns

battle war fight conflict skirmish clash encounter engagement combat warfare campaign invasion occupation siege assault raid onslaught invasion foray incursion bombardment barrage salvo broadside critique censure condemnation denunciation rebuke reproach reproof scolding admonition castigation chastisement

Related Verbs

defend protect preserve conserve secure save shield guard uphold support back endorse approve commend praise laud extol criticize condemn denounce reprehend censure rebuke reprove scold admonish castigate chastise reproach reprimand upbraid berate vilify excoriate lambast savage pillory
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