Ambushed: meaning, definitions and examples
ðĢ
ambushed
[ ËÃĶm.bĘĘt ]
military attack
To ambush means to surprise someone or a group by attacking them from a hidden position. This tactic is often employed in military operations and can also be used in a broader context to describe surprise attacks in various scenarios. The essence of an ambush is the element of surprise and strategy used to take advantage of the opponent's ignorance regarding the attack. Ambushes can take place in many environments, from urban settings to wilderness areas.
Synonyms
set-up, surprise attack, trap.
Examples of usage
- The soldiers laid in wait to ambush the enemy convoy.
- They were ambushed by bandits while traveling through the forest.
- The team planned to ambush their rivals during the competition.
- He felt as if he had been ambushed by unexpected news.
Etymology
The word 'ambush' comes from the Middle French term 'embuscher,' which means to put in a bush or to conceal. It is derived from the Latin root 'boscus,' meaning 'wood, forest.' This term reflects the tactical advantage of hiding in natural foliage to launch surprise attacks on unsuspecting opponents. Originally, ambush tactics were a significant part of military strategy, where forces would use the terrain to their advantage to negate larger numerical disadvantages. Through history, the concept of ambush has evolved into various contexts, including military, law enforcement, and even everyday scenarios, where one can be metaphorically ambushed by surprises in life. The term has maintained its core meaning while expanding its usage in modern language to cover both literal and figurative ambushes.