Attacking

/əˈtækɪŋ/

verbBeginnerCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To assault or make a violent attempt to harm or damage.

/əˈtækɪŋ/

verbnegativeBeginner
General

To make a violent assault on.

The lion attacked the zebra.

💡 Simply: To hit or fight someone or something.

More Examples

2

Criminals were attacking the citizens at night.

How It's Used

Military

"The soldiers were attacking the enemy stronghold."

Sports

"The team was attacking aggressively in the final minutes."

2

Aggressive, hostile, or offensive in nature.

/əˈtækɪŋ/

adjectivenegativeIntermediate
General

Showing aggression or hostility.

His attacking stance intimidated his opponent.

💡 Simply: Acting aggressively.

More Examples

2

The general's attacking strategy proved successful.

How It's Used

Describing Behavior

"He had an attacking style of play."

Tip:An attacking player is always on the offense.

Idioms & expressions

under attack

Being subjected to an assault or criticism.

"The city was under attack."

From Old French *attacher, meaning "to attach," ultimately from Latin *attaccare. The meaning shifted to aggressive assault.

Historically, 'attacking' was more frequently used in a military context, referring to battles and sieges.

Memory tip

Think of a dog 'tackling' someone – it's a forceful action.

Base: attack
atackingattaking

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written