Ambuscade: meaning, definitions and examples

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ambuscade

[ˈæm.bə.skeɪd ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

hidden attack

An ambuscade is a military strategy in which troops lie in wait for the enemy, hidden from view, in order to launch a surprise attack when the enemy passes by. Ambuscades are often set up in dense forests or behind obstacles to maximize the element of surprise.

Synonyms

ambush, snare, trap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ambuscade	This is a slightly archaic and formal term primarily used in literary or historical contexts to describe a hidden place from which attackers launch an attack. The soldiers set an ambuscade along the forest path. In the old tales, knights often fell victim to an ambuscade.
ambush	A term commonly used in everyday language to describe a surprise attack from a concealed position, often in a military or tactical scenario. The infantry was caught in an ambush as they crossed the valley. They planned to ambush the convoy at dawn.
trap	A general term used to describe any device or setup intended to catch someone or something, often implying an element of deception or danger. They laid a trap for the thief. The mouse was caught in the trap.
snare	Often used to describe a trap set to catch animals, but can also metaphorically describe a situation designed to entangle or deceive someone. The hunter set a snare to catch rabbits. Be careful; his friendly demeanor could be a snare.

Examples of usage

The soldiers set up an ambuscade along the narrow path, waiting for the enemy to approach.
The rebels planned an ambuscade near the bridge to ambush the convoy of trucks.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'ambuscada,' meaning 'a place for lying in wait.'
It entered the English language in the late 16th century, emphasizing the element of surprise in attacks.

Historical Context

Ambuscades were commonly used in warfare to gain tactical advantage over enemies.
Famous battles in history often involved ambuscades; one instance is the Battle of Trenton during the American Revolutionary War.
In ancient times, ambuscades were critical in strategies used by tribes and armies across the globe.

Literature

Ambuscade appears in various stories to represent betrayal or surprise, like in Shakespeare's works.
In modern literature, ambuscade can symbolize sudden revelations or unexpected outcomes in plot twists.

Psychology

The element of surprise can trigger strong emotional responses like fear or excitement.
Ambush tactics in games or military training offer insights into human behavior under pressure.

Pop Culture

In video games, ambuscade is a common strategy used by players for competitive advantage.
Movies often depict ambuscades as thrilling moments, enhancing tension and drama in action sequences.

Translations

Translations of the word "ambuscade" in other languages:

🇵🇹 emboscada

🇮🇳 घात

🇩🇪 Hinterhalt

🇮🇩 serangan mendadak

🇺🇦 засідка

🇵🇱 zasadzka

🇯🇵 待ち伏せ (machibuse)

🇫🇷 embuscade

🇪🇸 emboscada

🇹🇷 pusu

🇰🇷 매복 (maebok)

🇸🇦 كمين

🇨🇿 přepad

🇸🇰 prepad

🇨🇳 埋伏 (máifú)

🇸🇮 zaseda

🇮🇸 fyrirvari

🇰🇿 тұтқиылдан шабуыл

🇬🇪 ჩასაფრება

🇦🇿 pusqu

🇲🇽 emboscada

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,063 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
31060 eyelet
31061 bemoan
31062 inconceivably
31063 ambuscade
31064 mammogram
31065 envying
31066 butternut
...