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Bushwhacked: meaning, definitions and examples

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bushwhacked

 

[ ˈbʌʃˌwækt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

ambush attack

To bushwhack refers to a surprise attack on an unsuspecting target, often utilized in guerrilla warfare. The term is commonly associated with tactics used by outlaws or rebel groups, where the element of surprise is crucial. Bushwhacking can also denote the act of ambushing someone in a more general context, such as in competitive situations. The word implies an unexpected and often sudden assault.

Synonyms

ambush, surprise attack, trap

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers were bushwhacked on their way back to camp.
  • He felt bushwhacked when his colleague betrayed him at the meeting.
  • The gang bushwhacked the rival group in the narrow alley.

Translations

Translations of the word "bushwhacked" in other languages:

🇵🇹 emboscado

🇮🇳 झाड़ी में छिपा हुआ

🇩🇪 überfallen

🇮🇩 disergap

🇺🇦 нападений

🇵🇱 zasadzony

🇯🇵 襲われた

🇫🇷 embusqué

🇪🇸 emboscado

🇹🇷 pusuya düşmüş

🇰🇷 매복당한

🇸🇦 مفاجأ

🇨🇿 přepadený

🇸🇰 prepadnutý

🇨🇳 被伏击

🇸🇮 napaden

🇮🇸 árásinn

🇰🇿 тоқырауға ұшыраған

🇬🇪 დამალული

🇦🇿 tələyə düşmüş

🇲🇽 emboscado

Word origin

The term 'bushwhack' originated in the mid-19th century in the United States, combining 'bush,' meaning thick vegetation or underbrush, with 'whack,' a verb indicating a blow or strike. It was primarily used in reference to attacks made by people hiding in the bushes or forests. The concept was popularized during the time of the American Civil War, when irregular military units engaged in guerrilla tactics. Over time, 'bushwhack' evolved from its military origins to encompass any kind of ambush or unexpected encounter in various contexts. Its usage has spread into broader fields, including business and social interactions, denoting situations where one party is taken by surprise.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,754, 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.