ambush

UK: ˈæm.bʊʃ | US: ˈæm.bʊʃ

Definition

  1. n. a surprise attack by people lying in wait in a concealed position

  2. vt. to attack suddenly from a concealed position

Structure
amb <around>bush <forest>amb <around>bush <forest>
Etymology

The word "ambush" originated in Middle English from Old French embuschier (to hide in the woods), combining amb- (around) and busche (forest). It originally described hiding in wooded areas to launch surprise attacks, reflecting medieval warfare tactics. Over time, it generalized to any concealed surprise attack.

Examples

  1. The soldiers set up an ambush in the dense forest.

  2. The rebels ambushed the convoy at dawn.

  3. He narrowly escaped an ambush on his way home.

  4. Wildlife photographers often ambush their subjects silently.

  5. The detective suspected an ambush was planned for the ransom exchange.