Ambush: meaning, definitions and examples

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ambush

[ˈæm.bʊʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

military tactic

An ambush is a surprise attack by people lying in wait in a concealed position.

Synonyms

ambuscade, surprise attack, trap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ambush	Typically used in military or tactical contexts, often referring to a planned attack from a hidden position. The soldiers prepared an ambush for the enemy convoy. Our team set up an ambush near the forest to capture the intruders.
trap	Used when the intent is to deceive someone into a dangerous or compromising situation. Often has negative connotations. The hunters set a trap to catch the wild boar. She unwittingly walked into the trap laid by her enemies.
surprise attack	General term used when an attack is unexpected; can be used in both military and non-military situations. The surprise attack caught the defending forces off guard. The surprise attack on the fortress was brilliantly executed.
ambuscade	An archaic or formal term for ambush; more commonly found in historical texts or literature. The knight rode into the ambuscade without realizing the danger. In medieval times, ambuscades were common on winding forest paths.

Examples of usage

The soldiers set up an ambush to catch the enemy off guard.
The rebels planned an ambush on the convoy.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to attack unexpectedly

To ambush means to make a surprise attack on someone from a concealed position.

Synonyms

attack by surprise, spring a trap, waylay.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ambush	Used when describing a situation where a person or group hides and waits to attack someone unexpectedly. This is often associated with military or combat situations but can also apply to personal conflicts or hunting. The soldiers set up an ambush to catch the enemy by surprise The hunters waited in ambush for the deer to approach
attack by surprise	This phrase is used when highlighting the element of surprise in an attack. It is less formal than 'ambush' and can be used in various contexts such as military strategies, sports, or even in discussions of business tactics. The competitor attacked by surprise with a sudden marketing campaign The team attacked by surprise, scoring a quick goal
waylay	Typically used to describe an unforeseen interruption or ambush, often for robbery or an unexpected confrontation. It has a somewhat negative connotation and implies a surprise attack with ill intent. On his way home, he was waylaid by a group of robbers The traveler was waylaid by bandits on the road
spring a trap	This phrase suggests setting a trap and then catching someone or something in it unexpectedly. It can be used in literal contexts involving physical traps or metaphorically when someone falls into a planned deception. They managed to spring a trap on the unsuspecting thief The detective's plan worked, and they sprang a trap on the criminal

Examples of usage

The bandits ambushed the travelers on the lonely road.
The police ambushed the criminal in the hideout.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'ambush' comes from the Old French 'embuschier', meaning 'to hide' or 'to place an ambuscade'.
Etymologically, 'bush' signifies hiding places in nature, linking the term to its original usage of surprise.
In military contexts, its use dates back to the 14th century, reflecting tactical developments in warfare.

Literature

Ambushes are common plot devices in stories, representing a turning point that can lead to a character's downfall.
This tactic symbolizes betrayal or unexpected conflict, seen in classics like 'The Odyssey' and modern thrillers.
Many folk tales incorporate ambush to teach moral lessons regarding trust and vigilance.

Military Strategy

Historically, ambush has been a favored tactic in guerilla warfare, allowing smaller forces to outmaneuver larger armies.
During the Vietnam War, Viet Cong forces employed ambush strategies effectively against conventional troops.
Modern militaries train extensively in ambush techniques for both offensive and defensive operations.

Psychology

The element of surprise in an ambush can provoke strong emotional responses, such as fear or adrenaline rush.
Ambush tactics can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional manipulation in relationships.
Research shows that unexpected events, like ambushes, challenge cognitive processing, leading to heightened alertness.

Pop Culture

Ambush scenes are popular in action films, often portraying a hero overcoming adversity against unexpected odds.
In video games, ambush mechanics are prevalent, influencing strategies players employ to defeat opponents.
The concept of ambush also appears in reality TV, where contestants might plot unexpected turns against one another.

Translations

Translations of the word "ambush" in other languages:

🇵🇹 emboscada

🇮🇳 घात

🇩🇪 Hinterhalt

🇮🇩 penyergapan

🇺🇦 засідка

🇵🇱 zasadzka

🇯🇵 待ち伏せ (machibuse)

🇫🇷 embuscade

🇪🇸 emboscada

🇹🇷 pusu

🇰🇷 매복 (maebok)

🇸🇦 كمين (kameen)

🇨🇿 přepadení

🇸🇰 prepad

🇨🇳 埋伏 (máifú)

🇸🇮 zaseda

🇮🇸 fyrirseta

🇰🇿 тұзақ

🇬🇪 ჩასაფრება (chasapreba)

🇦🇿 pusu

🇲🇽 emboscada

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,458, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15455 espionage
15456 pendant
15457 polypeptide
15458 ambush
15459 dutiable
15460 unfriendly
15461 wan
...