attack*/*/*/

[əˈtæk] verb I

1) [I/T] to use violence against a person or place

It was shortly before midnight when the terrorists attacked.[/ex]

Two prison officers were brutally attacked with a knife.[/ex]

2) [T] to strongly criticize someone or something

Parliament has been attacked for failing to take action.[/ex]

3) [I/T] to cause damage or disease in something

The virus attacks the body's red blood cells.[/ex]

4) [I/T] to try to score points in a game

They attack well, but their defence is weak.[/ex]

•

Words often used with attack Adverbs often used with attack (verb, sense 2) ■ ATTACK + bitterly, fiercely, openly, strongly, vigorously used for saying that someone expresses strong criticism II

noun

attack */*/*/[əˈtæk]

1) [C/U] a violent attempt to harm someone or something

a vicious attack on an unarmed man[/ex]

The city was under attack throughout the night.[/ex]

2) [C] strong criticism

McCann launched an attack on his own players.[/ex]

3) [C] an occasion when you are affected by an illness, or when you have a particular strong feeling

an asthma attack[/ex]

an attack of nerves[/ex]

See:

heart attack

4) [C] an attempt to score points in a game

•

Words often used with attack Adjectives often used with attack (noun, sense 2) ■ bitter, fierce, scathing, stinging + ATTACK: used about attacks that show strong criticism Verbs often used with attack (noun, sense 2) ■ launch, mount + ATTACK: make an attack