attack: meaning and definitions

To set upon with violent force.

To criticize strongly or in a hostile manner.

To start work on with purpose and vigor: attack a problem.

To begin to affect harmfully: a disease that attacks the central nervous system.

To make an attack; launch an assault: The enemy attacked during the night.

The act or an instance of attacking; an assault.

An expression of strong criticism; hostile comment: vicious attacks in all the newspapers.

Sports An offensive action in a sport or game.

Sports The players executing such an action.

The initial movement in a task or undertaking: made an optimistic attack on the pile of paperwork.

A method or procedure: Our attack on this project will have two phases.

An episode or onset of a disease, especially an occurrence of a chronic disease: an asthma attack.

The experience or beginning of a feeling, need, or desire: an attack of hunger; an attack of melancholy.

Music The beginning or manner of beginning a piece, passage, or tone.

Decisiveness and clarity in artistic expression: a careful performance, but one lacking the rigorous attack the work demands.