attack

attackverb

To attack is to use force against someone, to speak or write strongly against someone or something, or, of a disease, to begin to damage something.

1. use forceuse violence to try to hurt, damage, or take control of a person, place, or thing

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object [V + obj]

   • The dog attacked a jogger in the park. V + obj
   • Enemy forces attacked at dawn.
   • The city was attacked from the sea. V + obj
   • She was attacked on her way home. V + obj

   Antonyms defend

2. criticize stronglyspeak or write strongly against someone or something

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj]

   • The senator attacked the new policy in her speech. V + obj
   • Critics attacked the film for its slow pace. V + obj
   • He felt attacked by the harsh review. V + obj + prep + obj
   • The report attacks the company's safety record. V + obj

3. damage over timedamage or destroy something, often over time

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj]

   • The virus attacks the immune system. V + obj
   • Rust had attacked the old bridge badly. V + obj
   • The disease attacks the joints first. V + obj
   • Insects had attacked the crop overnight. V + obj