Ambush: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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