UNDER ATTACK Meaning and
Definition
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"Under attack" is a phrase used to denote a situation in which someone or something is being subjected to deliberate and aggressive assault, criticism, or hostile actions. It implies that the individual, group, organization, or entity is currently experiencing a sustained and concentrated offensive aimed at causing harm, damage, or distress.
When an individual or group is "under attack," it often suggests that they are under threat or facing opposition from others who are actively attempting to undermine, discredit, harm, or overpower them. This attack can manifest in various forms such as verbal or physical assault, negative publicity, cyberattacks, legal action, or systematic attempts to undermine their credibility, reputation, or influence.
The term can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses. In a literal context, "under attack" can refer to a physical assault or military offensive on a person, place, or property. Metaphorically, it describes situations where an individual or concept is experiencing sustained criticism, opposition, or interference, without necessarily involving physical violence.
The notion of being "under attack" suggests a state of vulnerability, urgency, and the need for defense or countermeasures to protect oneself or overcome the assault. It implies a sense of pressure, potential harm, or imminent danger, leading to an increased state of alertness and potential defensive actions.
Common Misspellings for UNDER ATTACK
- underattack
- ynder attack
- hnder attack
- jnder attack
- inder attack
- 8nder attack
- 7nder attack
- ubder attack
- umder attack
- ujder attack
- uhder attack
- unser attack
- unxer attack
- uncer attack
- unfer attack
- unrer attack
- uneer attack
- undwr attack
- undsr attack
- unddr attack
Etymology of UNDER ATTACK
The etymology of the phrase "under attack" can be traced back to the combination of two English words: "under" and "attack".
1. Under: This word comes from Old English and has Germanic roots. It can be traced back to the Old English word "under", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "undar". The meaning of "under" in this context denotes a position or location beneath or below something else, indicating a state of being lower or beneath some form of action or force.
2. Attack: The word "attack" originated from the Old French verb "ataquier", which meant "to equip oneself, to prepare". It came from the Frankish word "stakōn", meaning "to push, thrust", ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic word "stakōną".
Idioms with the word UNDER ATTACK
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under attack
The phrase "under attack" is typically used to describe a situation where someone or something is being threatened or experiencing intense criticism, hostility, or pressure. It implies that the person or thing is being targeted or assaulted in some way.
Similar spelling words for UNDER ATTACK
- undercoat,
- under wraps,
- underivative,
- underneath,
- under way,
- undertaker,
- under that,
- understate,
- undertaking,
- unmoderated,
- understock,
- undersurface,
- undertake,
- undercoated,
- underpart,
- understated,
- under arms.
