noun
Common
raid
rayd
Raid (noun) means a sudden attack or surprise incursion, often by armed forces or police. Example: “The museum was the target of a night raid by thieves.”
noun
1
A sudden attack or surprise incursion, often by armed forces or police.
"The museum was the target of a night raid by thieves."
"Police carried out a dawn raid on the suspected drug den."
"The village suffered several raids during the war."
verb
1
To carry out a sudden attack or unannounced search on a place.
"Officers raided the flat after neighbours reported stolen goods."
"Inspectors raided the factory without warning to check the safety records."
"Customs officers raided the warehouse and seized the shipment."
How to use raid
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA surprise attack or sudden search, whether military, criminal, or by the police.
Common pairings
a police raid
carry out a raid
raid a house
a dawn raid
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Word forms
- Plural
- raids
- Third person singular
- raids
- Past tense
- raided
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The museum was the target of a night _____ by thieves.
Etymology
From the Scots word raid, going back to an Old English word for "a ride" or "expedition on horseback" — the same root as "road." The modern sense was revived by Walter Scott in the 19th century.
Class of 1800
raid joined the language around 1800.
See the full Class of 1800 →
Related words
Rhymes for raid
See all rhymes for raid →Frequently asked questions
What does “raid” mean?
The word “raid” means a sudden attack or surprise incursion, often by armed forces or police. In plain terms, a surprise attack or sudden search, whether military, criminal, or by the police.
How do you pronounce “raid”?
“Raid” is pronounced rayd (/ɹeɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “raid” in a sentence?
Here is “raid” used in a sentence: “Police carried out a dawn raid on the suspected drug den.”
What part of speech is “raid”?
Depending on how it is used, “raid” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “raid” come from?
The word “raid” dates back to around 1800 and comes from Old English. From the Scots word raid, going back to an Old English word for "a ride" or "expedition on horseback" — the same root as "road." The modern sense was revived by Walter Scott in the 19th century.
Is “raid” a common word?
“Raid” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “raid” have?
“Raid” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sudden attack or surprise incursion, often by armed forces or police.
What is the difference between a 'raid' and an 'attack'?
A raid is a sudden, brief, and targeted incursion, often aimed at a specific place before withdrawing. An attack is a broader term that can describe any hostile action, including sustained or large-scale assaults that a raid usually is not.
What is the difference between a 'raid' and an 'invasion'?
A raid is a quick, limited operation with a narrow objective, after which the raiders typically leave. An invasion is a large-scale operation intended to enter and occupy territory over a longer period.
What is a 'police raid'?
A police raid is a sudden, unannounced entry into a premises to make arrests or search for evidence. It relies on surprise, which is why raids are often carried out early in the morning, sometimes called a 'dawn raid.'
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