attacking Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with
    assail; attack.
    • Hitler attacked Poland on September 1, 1939 and started World War II
    • Serbian forces assailed Bosnian towns all week
  2. verb attack in speech or writing
    lash out; attack; assault; assail; snipe; round.
    • The editors of the left-leaning paper attacked the new House Speaker
  3. verb take the initiative and go on the offensive
    aggress; attack.
    • The Serbs attacked the village at night
    • The visiting team started to attack
  4. verb attack someone physically or emotionally
    assail; assault; attack; set on.
    • The mugger assaulted the woman
    • Nightmares assailed him regularly
  5. verb set to work upon; turn one's energies vigorously to a task
    attack.
    • I attacked the problem as soon as I got out of bed
  6. verb begin to injure
    attack.
    • The cancer cells are attacking his liver
    • Rust is attacking the metal
  7. adjective satellite disposed to attack
    assaultive.

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