An ambush is a surprise attack by one party on another. It is a tactic that has been used throughout history in warfare, hunting, and even in criminal activities. The element of surprise is key in an ambush, as the attacking party catches their target off guard.
Definitions
The Oxford English Dictionary defines ambush as “an attack in which the attacker hides and waits for the victim to approach.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a surprise attack by persons lying in wait in a concealed position.”
Origin
The word “ambush” comes from the Old French word “embusche,” meaning “an ambush, a trap.” It was first used in English in the mid-16th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In addition to the definitions from Oxford and Merriam-Webster, other dictionaries define ambush similarly. Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a surprise attack by people who have been hiding and waiting for the enemy.” Collins Dictionary defines it as “a surprise attack on someone by people who have been hiding and waiting for them.”
Associations
Ambush is often associated with military tactics, particularly guerrilla warfare. It has also been used in hunting, where hunters wait in a concealed position for their prey to come within range. In criminal activities, ambushes have been used in robberies and kidnappings.
Synonyms
Synonyms for ambush include surprise attack, trap, snare, pounce, and waylay.
Antonyms
Antonyms for ambush include warning, alert, preparedness, and defense.
The same root words
The word “ambush” comes from the Old French word “embusche,” which comes from the verb “embuschier,” meaning “to ambush.” The word “buschier” comes from the Latin word “boscus,” meaning “wood” or “forest.”
Example Sentences
- The soldiers set up an ambush to catch the enemy off guard.
- The hunters waited in ambush for the deer to come into view.
- The robbers planned to ambush the armored truck on its way to the bank.
- The police set up a sting operation to ambush the drug dealers.
- The football team’s defense was caught off guard by the opposing team’s ambush.