Bushwhack: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒฒ
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bushwhack

 

[ หˆbสŠสƒหŒwรฆk ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

hiking, ambushing

To bushwhack means to make one's way through dense underbrush or to ambush someone unexpectedly, particularly in a wilderness setting. The term originates from the practice of using natural cover in wooded areas to surprise an enemy or prey. Bushwhacking can also refer to a style of hiking where one does not follow a marked trail, instead forging through the wild terrain. It can be both a tactical maneuver in combat situations and a recreational pursuit for those seeking adventure in nature.

Synonyms

ambush, pathfinder, surprise, thicket, trap

Examples of usage

  • We decided to bushwhack our way through the forest instead of following the trail.
  • The soldiers bushwhacked their enemy in a surprise attack.
  • She loves to bushwhack during her hikes to explore hidden spots.
  • His plan was to bushwhack the hikers at the cliff edge.
  • The detective set a trap to bushwhack the suspect.

Translations

Translations of the word "bushwhack" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น emboscar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค˜เคพเคค เคฒเค—เคพเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช รผberraschen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ menyerang secara diam-diam

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั–ะดัั‚ะตั€ั–ะณะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zaskakiwaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅพ…ใกไผใ›ใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท tendre une embuscade

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ emboscar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท pusu kurmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋งค๋ณตํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒู…ูŠู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pล™epadnout

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ prepadnรบลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅŸ‹ไผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ napasti z zasede

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sรฉrhรฆfa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐัั‹ั€ั‹ะฝ ัˆะฐะฑัƒั‹ะป ะถะฐัะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒแƒ™แƒ›แƒแƒแƒ“ แƒ’แƒแƒฌแƒ•แƒ“แƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tษ™lษ™yษ™ salmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ emboscar

Etymology

The term 'bushwhack' combines two elements: 'bush' and 'whack'. 'Bush' refers to dense, shrubby terrain found in many regions, particularly in North America, while 'whack' suggests a physical action, implying the notion of cutting through or forcefully navigating through brush. Its usage dates back to the mid-19th century, originating in American English, specifically during the period of westward expansion when explorers, settlers, and soldiers would engage in ambush tactics. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass not just military strategies but also recreational activities involving outdoor exploration and hiking. The concept of bushwhacking reflects a spirit of adventure and resourcefulness, emphasizing the challenges faced in wilderness navigation and tactical positioning.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,624, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.