v.
- take aggressive action against.
▸(of a disease, chemical, etc.) act harmfully on.
- criticize or oppose fiercely and publicly.
- begin to deal with (a problem or task) in a determined way.
- (in sport) make a forceful attempt to score goals or points.
n.
- an instance of attacking.
▸destructive action by a disease or chemical.
- a sudden short bout of an illness or disorder.
- the players in a team whose role is to attack.
- forceful style in performing music or another art.
Derivative
Etymology
C17: from Fr. attaque (n.), attaquer (v.), from Ital. attacco ‘an attack’, attaccare ‘join battle’.