under attack — being attacked, criticized, or targeted by someone or something
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: being attacked, criticized, or targeted by someone or something
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈʌndər əˈtæk/
Example Sentences
- My favorite pizza place came under attack on social media after using pineapple as a topping.
- The castle was under attack for three days before the enemy finally retreated.
- My homework excuse came under attack when my teacher realized my dog can't actually type.
under attack
ADJECTIVE[/ˈʌndər əˈtæk/]
being attacked, criticized, or targeted by someone or something
The medieval castle was under attack as burning arrows rained down at dawn.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Under derives from Old English 'under', meaning 'beneath' or 'below'. Attack entered English through French from Italian 'attaccare', meaning 'to attach' or 'to assail'. The phrase combines these elements to denote a state of being subjected to assault or aggression.
Breakdown
under (Old English: beneath, below) + attack (from Italian attaccare via French: to attach, assail). The compound expresses the condition of being positioned beneath or subject to an assault.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My favorite pizza place came under attack on social media after using pineapple as a topping.”
“The castle was under attack for three days before the enemy finally retreated.”
“My homework excuse came under attack when my teacher realized my dog can't actually type.”
“The senator's proposal came under heavy attack from both political parties.”
📚Related Words
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