Ambusher: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who surprises and attacks someone suddenly. Often in a military or strategic context.

• The soldiers were caught by an ambusher while patrolling the area.
• The ambusher lay in wait for hours before striking his target.

A general term for someone who attacks another person, used in various contexts including news reports, sports, and casual conversation.

• The victim managed to escape from their attacker.
• The soccer player was criticized for his aggressive behavior on the field, acting more like an attacker than a teammate.

Commonly used in legal or formal contexts to describe someone who physically attacks another person.

• The police are searching for the assailant who attacked the woman in the park.
• He was convicted of assaulting his assailant in self-defense.

Generally used negatively to describe someone who hides and observes, often with sinister intent. Frequently used in online contexts to describe someone who reads posts but never participates.

• She felt uneasy knowing there was a lurker in the dark alley.
• In online forums, a lurker might read every comment but rarely contribute to the discussion.

Using 'ambusher' is suitable in situations related to military tactics, survival scenarios, or strategic gameplay where a person or group hides and waits for the right moment to attack.

• The ambusher lay hidden in the tall grass, ready to strike the unsuspecting enemy.
• In the wilderness, the hunter became an ambusher, anticipating the movements of the prey.

The term 'camper' is frequently used in video games to describe a player who remains in one spot to gain an advantage, often viewed negatively by other players.

• The team lost the match because their last player turned out to be a camper, hiding instead of helping.
• Many gamers dislike campers, as they disrupt the flow and excitement of the game.

The word 'flanker' is applicable in both military and sports contexts, referring to a person who moves to the side of the main group to attack or defend from a different angle.

• In the military operation, the flanker moved swiftly to catch the enemy off guard.
• The football player excelled as a flanker, providing crucial support and creating opportunities for the team.