Attack: meaning, definitions and examples

This is a general term that can be used in various situations where someone or something tries to cause harm or damage to another. It can refer to physical violence, criticism, or even computer hacking.

• The dog attacked the intruder.
• Cyber criminals launched an attack on the company's servers.

This term is often used in legal contexts to describe a specific kind of attack that involves physical violence or the threat of it. It has a strong negative connotation.

• He was arrested for assault after punching another man in a bar.
• The victim of the assault needed medical attention.

This word is frequently used in a military context to describe a planned and coordinated series of attacks. It can also be used metaphorically in other competitive scenarios.

• The army launched a major offensive against the enemy positions.
• The company took an offensive strategy to outperform its rivals.

This term refers to a very fierce or destructive attack, usually describing something overwhelming in nature. It is often used to emphasize the severity and intensity of an attack.

• The town was caught off guard by the onslaught of the invading forces.
• The company's servers couldn't handle the onslaught of traffic during the sale.

Refers to a general act of aggression or harm, often used in both physical and cybersecurity contexts.

• The village was under attack during the night.
• The company faced a cyber attack that compromised their data.

Specifically refers to unauthorized access to computer systems, often used in cybersecurity settings.

• The teenager managed to hack into the school’s server.
• Several online accounts were hacked and sensitive information was stolen.

Commonly used in the context of breaking through a defense, security system, or agreement.

• The firewall was breached by the hackers.
• There was a breach of contract by the supplier.

Implies entering a space or system without permission, generally used in both physical and digital contexts.

• She felt an intrusion on her privacy when her mail was opened.
• The security cameras detected an intrusion into the restricted area.

General term for any form of aggressive action, either physical or verbal, against someone or something.

• The dog will attack if it feels threatened
• The politician faced a harsh verbal attack from his opponents

Typically used in a more formal or literary context and often implies a sustained or vehement attack, either physical or verbal.

• He was assailed by doubts about his decision
• The castle was assailed by enemy forces for days

Often implies a sudden and violent physical attack. It is commonly used in legal contexts to describe physical attacks on individuals.

• He was arrested for assaulting a police officer
• The victim did not see the assault coming

Can refer to a hit or blow, often with a hand or weapon. It also has non-violent contexts like in workers' strikes.

• She struck the intruder with a vase
• The workers went on strike for better wages