American English
/əˈtʰæk̚/
2 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
to use violence against someone or something to hurt or damage them
Practice out loudto use violence against someone or something to hurt or damage them
The soldiers attacked the town at dawn.
The dog attacked my neighbor.
attack a target · attack from behind · launch an attack · be attacked by someone
attack + someone/something
attack + someone/something with + a weapon
a violent attempt to hurt a person or damage a place
The police stopped the attack.
He was injured in the attack.
a surprise attack · a violent attack · launch an attack · come under attack
an attack on + someone/something
come under attack from + someone/something
to criticize a person, idea, or plan very strongly
The article attacked the mayor's decision.
She attacked his character during the debate.
For ideas and decisions, attack means criticize very strongly, not use physical violence.
attack an idea · attack someone's character · attack a decision · verbally attack someone
attack + a person/idea/decision
attack someone/something for + noun or -ing
strong criticism of a person, idea, or plan
The speech was a personal attack on the president.
The proposal came under attack from several groups.
a personal attack · a verbal attack · an attack on democracy · come under attack
a personal attack on + someone
launch an attack on + someone/something
to be attacked or strongly criticized
The company came under attack online.
a serious medical problem in which the heart does not get enough blood
He had a heart attack last year.
to begin an attack
The army launched an attack at dawn.
In attacked and attacking, double the final k: attacked, attacking.