noun
Uncommon
ambush
AM-buush
Ambush (noun) means a surprise attack launched from a hidden position. Example: “The patrol walked straight into an ambush on the mountain road.”
noun
1
A surprise attack launched from a hidden position.
"The patrol walked straight into an ambush on the mountain road."
"Rebels set up an ambush along the only route through the valley."
verb
1
To hide and wait for someone in order to attack them by surprise.
"Guerrilla fighters ambushed the convoy at the bridge."
"She felt ambushed by the reporter's question at the press conference."
How to use ambush
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA surprise attack from hiding, or to launch one — it can also be used figuratively for catching someone off guard with a tough question.
Common pairings
walk into an ambush
set up an ambush
ambush someone with questions
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Word forms
- Plural
- ambushes
- Third person singular
- ambushes
- Past tense
- ambushed
Fill the gap
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The patrol walked straight into an _____ on the mountain road.
Etymology
From Old French embuschier, "to hide in a wood," built from the Frankish word for bush — the same root that gives us "bouquet."
Related words
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.
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