ambush
8 synonyms for ambush, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A surprise attack launched from a hidden position.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A surprise attack launched from a hidden position.
“The patrol walked straight into an ambush on the mountain road.”
How to use ambush
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
walk into an ambush
set up an ambush
ambush someone with questions
Etymology
From Old French embuschier, "to hide in a wood," built from the Frankish word for bush — the same root that gives us "bouquet."
Full origin of ambush →Frequently asked questions
What does “ambush” mean?
The word “ambush” means a surprise attack launched from a hidden position. In plain terms, a surprise attack from hiding, or to launch one — it can also be used figuratively for catching someone off guard with a tough question.
How do you pronounce “ambush”?
“Ambush” is pronounced AM-buush (/ˈæm.bʊʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ambush” in a sentence?
Here is “ambush” used in a sentence: “The patrol walked straight into an ambush on the mountain road.”
What part of speech is “ambush”?
Depending on how it is used, “ambush” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “ambush” come from?
The word “ambush” comes from Old French. From Old French embuschier, "to hide in a wood," built from the Frankish word for bush — the same root that gives us "bouquet.".
Is “ambush” a common word?
“Ambush” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ambush” have?
“Ambush” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a surprise attack launched from a hidden position.
What is the difference between an "ambush" and a regular surprise attack?
An ambush specifically involves attackers hiding in a concealed position and waiting for a target to come to them, whereas a general surprise attack can happen without that element of concealment or waiting. The defining feature of an ambush is the hidden position from which the attack is launched.
How is "ambush" used as a verb?
As a verb, "to ambush" someone means to hide and wait for them in order to attack by surprise, as in "the soldiers ambushed the convoy." It is a transitive verb, meaning it always takes a direct object naming who or what is attacked.
