Transcription
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
-
- [uh-tak]
- /əˈtæk/
- /əˈtæk/
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [uh-tak]
- /əˈtæk/
Definitions of attacking word
- verb with object attacking to set upon in a forceful, violent, hostile, or aggressive way, with or without a weapon; begin fighting with: He attacked him with his bare hands. 1
- verb with object attacking to begin hostilities against; start an offensive against: to attack the enemy. 1
- verb with object attacking to blame or abuse violently or bitterly. 1
- verb with object attacking to direct unfavorable criticism against; criticize severely; argue with strongly: He attacked his opponent's statement. 1
- verb with object attacking to try to destroy, especially with verbal abuse: to attack the mayor's reputation. 1
- verb with object attacking to set about (a task) or go to work on (a thing) vigorously: to attack housecleaning; to attack the hamburger hungrily. 1
Information block about the term
Origin of attacking
First appearance:
before 1590 One of the 37% oldest English words
1590-1600; earlier atta(c)que < Middle French atta(c)quer < Italian attaccare to attack, attach
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Attacking
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
attacking popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 98% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.
attacking usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for attacking
adjective attacking
- warlike — fit, qualified, or ready for war; martial: a warlike fleet; warlike tribes.
- warmongering — the practices and principles of a warmonger.
- gladiatorial — of or relating to gladiators or to their combats.
- freebooting — to act as a freebooter; plunder; loot.
- hawkish — resembling a hawk, as in appearance or behavior.
Antonyms for attacking
adjective attacking
- protective — having the quality or function of protecting: a protective covering.
- custodial — Custodial means relating to keeping people in prison.
- conservational — the act of conserving; prevention of injury, decay, waste, or loss; preservation: conservation of wildlife; conservation of human rights.
See also
Matching words
- Words starting with a
- Words starting with at
- Words starting with att
- Words starting with atta
- Words starting with attac
- Words starting with attack
- Words starting with attacki
- Words starting with attackin
- Words starting with attacking