SKIP TO CONTENT

surprise attack

surprise attacks

Definitions of surprise attack
  1. noun
    an attack without warning
    synonyms: coup de main
    see moresee less
    types:
    show 4 types...
    hide 4 types...
    terrorist attack
    a surprise attack involving the deliberate use of violence against civilians in the hope of attaining political or religious aims
    ambuscade, ambush, lying in wait, trap
    the act of concealing yourself and lying in wait to attack by surprise
    pre-emptive strike
    a surprise attack that is launched in order to prevent the enemy from doing it to you
    dry-gulching
    the act of killing from ambush
    type of:
    attack, onrush, onset, onslaught
    (military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘surprise attack'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family
EDITOR'S CHOICE

Look up surprise attack for the last time

Close your vocabulary gaps with personalized learning that focuses on teaching the words you need to know.

VocabTrainer - Vocabulary.com's Vocabulary Trainer