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

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

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 notes

In 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

Word Forms

ambushed past tense, ambushes plural, ambushes singular

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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."

Origin: Old French

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.

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Words With French Origins