noun / verb
ambush
AM-bush/ˈæmbʊʃ/
A surprise attack from a hidden position.
The hidden player springs an ambush beside the trail.
Etymology
The pieces suggest being “in the woods,” probably with the idea of hiding there or luring someone into cover. The noun first described concealed troops ready to surprise an enemy, then the surprise attack itself.
In context
The snow leopard hunts [music] with stealth and ambush, choosing dawn or dusk, the dimmest hours of the day to take advantage of long shadows and [music] shattered rock terrain as natural camouflage.
More examples
- The attackers ambushed the convoy at a narrow bend.
- Scouts discovered the planned ambush.
- The unit escaped before the ambush began.
Forms
ambush · ambushes · ambushed · ambushing
Similar words
- surprise attack
- The plain broader description.
- trap
- A concealed arrangement meant to catch someone.