The word “attacked” is a common term that is used to describe a sudden and violent assault on someone or something. It can be used in various contexts and situations, and its meaning may differ depending on the context in which it is used. In this article, we will explore the different definitions and meanings of the word “attacked,” as well as its origin, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The word “attacked” is a verb that means to make a sudden, violent, and forceful physical assault on someone or something. It can also mean to criticize or verbally assault someone or something. Additionally, it can mean to infect or afflict someone or something with a disease or illness.
Origin
The word “attacked” comes from the Old French word “ataquer,” which means to join battle. It was first used in English in the 16th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “attacked” means to set upon or to assault violently. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as to aggressively criticize or verbally assault someone or something. The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as to try to hurt or defeat using violence.
Associations
The word “attacked” is often associated with violence, aggression, and conflict. It can also be associated with criticism, illness, and disease.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “attacked” include assaulted, assailed, besieged, bombarded, criticized, denounced, infected, and invaded.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of “attacked” include defended, protected, guarded, shielded, supported, and assisted.
The same root words
The word “attack” is the root word of “attacked.” Other words that share the same root include attacker, attacking, and attackable.
Example Sentences
- The dog attacked the mailman as he approached the house.
- The politician was attacked by his opponents for his controversial statements.
- The flu virus attacked everyone in the office, causing many to call in sick.
- The army attacked the enemy stronghold at dawn, hoping to catch them off guard.
- The hacker attacked the company’s computer system, stealing sensitive information.