What is attack? Pronunciation and usage in English

attack means . Learn how to pronounce and use attack through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of attack

attackverb/noun

/əˈtak/
Definition & pronunciation of attack

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "attack" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic spelling and tips:

Phonetic Spelling (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˈætæk/

Breakdown:

  • ˈæ - This is the stressed syllable. It sounds like the "a" in "cat" or "hat." It's a short, sharp sound.
  • t - This is a simple "t" sound, as in "top."
  • æ - Again, this is the "a" sound as in "cat" or "hat."
  • k - This is a hard "k" sound, as in "kite."

How to Say It Aloud:

  1. Start with the stressed syllable: Say "ah" like in "cat."
  2. Add the "t": Say "t."
  3. Add the second “a”: Say “ah” again.
  4. Finish with the "k": Say "k."

Putting it all together: “Ah-tah-k”

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Focus on the stressed syllable: The first "a" is the key. Make sure you’re giving it the most emphasis.
  • Don’t over-emphasize the "k": It’s a quick, light "k" sound.

Resources for Hearing it:

Do you want me to:

  • Tell you how to pronounce another word?
  • Provide audio examples?

Usage and examples with the word attack in English

Let's break down how to use the word "attack" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized for clarity:

1. Physical Attack (Most Common Meaning)

  • Definition: To violently try to hurt someone or destroy something.
  • Examples:
    • "The soldiers launched an attack on the enemy position." (Military)
    • "He was attacked by a wild dog in the park." (Personal)
    • "The hurricane caused widespread attacks on coastal towns." (Natural disaster)
    • "She defended herself with a scream and a sharp kick, attacking the aggressor."

2. Figurative Attack (Less Physical, More Emotional/Intellectual)

  • Definition: To criticize fiercely, argue strongly, or challenge someone’s ideas or beliefs. This is a very frequent usage.
  • Examples:
    • "The politician launched a scathing attack on his opponent's policies." (Criticism)
    • "His article attacked the very foundations of the legal system." (Challenge)
    • "She felt personally attacked by his comments." (Emotional Hurt)
    • "The debate was a relentless attack on the candidate’s record." (Argumentative)

3. “Attack” as a Verb – Other Related Meanings

  • Attack a problem/challenge: To try to solve or overcome something difficult.

    • "We need to attack this problem from a new angle."
    • "The company is attacking the market with a new advertising campaign."

  • Attack a subject/topic: To discuss or explore something in detail.

    • "The documentary attacks the issue of climate change." (Often implying a critical view.)

4. “Attack” as a Noun

  • Attack: The act of attacking.

    • "The attack was swift and decisive."
    • "Witnesses reported a violent attack."

  • Attack (of something - like a cold): A sudden onset of a symptom or illness.

    • "She had an attack of the flu."
    • "He experienced an attack of anxiety."

5. “Attack” as a Computer Terminology

  • Security Attack: An attempt to gain unauthorized access to a computer system or network.

    • "The hackers launched a sophisticated attack on the bank's servers."

  • Software Attack: A flaw or vulnerability in software that can be exploited.

    • "The new vulnerability is being used in a widespread attack."

Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • Intensity: “Attack” can range from a gentle challenge to a full-blown assault. Context is crucial to understanding the degree.
  • Tone: The tone of voice when saying “attack” significantly impacts its meaning. A serious tone usually implies a physical or serious critique.

Resources for More Examples:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "attack"? (e.g., Are you writing a story? Giving a presentation? Just trying to understand how it's used in general?)

Synonyms for the word attack

Practice with vocabulary attack

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The soldiers prepared to _______ the enemy's position at dawn.
  2. She decided to _______ the problem with a creative solution.
  3. The cybersecurity team prevented a potential _______ on the company's servers.
  4. His sudden _______ of laughter surprised everyone in the room.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The general ordered his troops to _______.
    a) defend
    b) retreat
    c) attack
    d) negotiate
  2. The hacker attempted to _______ the website.
    a) protect
    b) assault
    c) attack
    d) repair
  3. The _______ on the village left many homes destroyed.
    a) invasion
    b) celebration
    c) attack
    d) construction
  4. The boxer delivered a powerful _______ to his opponent.
    a) punch
    b) attack
    c) hug
    d) strategy
  5. The sudden _______ of birds startled the hikers.
    a) flight
    b) attack
    c) chirping
    d) gathering

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company was hit by a cyber intrusion.
    Rewrite: The company was hit by a cyber attack.
  2. The critics sharply criticized the new policy.
    Rewrite: The critics launched a sharp attack on the new policy.
  3. The lion tried to hunt the antelope.
    Rewrite: The lion attempted to ambush the antelope.

Answers:

Exercise 1:

  1. attack
  2. tackle
  3. attack
  4. burst

Exercise 2:

  1. c) attack
  2. c) attack
  3. c) attack
  4. a) punch
  5. a) flight

Exercise 3:

  1. The company was hit by a cyber attack.
  2. The critics launched a sharp attack on the new policy.
  3. The lion attempted to ambush the antelope.

Comment ()