ambush
AM-boosh
/ˈæmbʊʃ/
A surprise attack by people lying in wait in a concealed position.
Emphasizes absolute concealment, surprise, and the vulnerability of the target.
The story behind the word. The word ambush has a beautifully literal origin. It comes from the Old French 'embushier', which literally means 'to put in a bush' or 'to hide in the woods'. It perfectly captures the image of soldiers hiding behind foliage, waiting to strike.
Word relationships
- trap: A trap is a broad term for any device or scheme to catch someone, while an ambush is specifically a physical, surprise military attack.
- snare: A snare is typically a mechanical device for catching animals, used metaphorically for deception, whereas an ambush is an active combat action.
- alert: An alert is a state of readiness that prevents surprise, the direct opposite of being caught in an ambush.
Commonly confused with
- raid: A raid is a sudden, fast attack on a position, but it does not require the attackers to lie in wait in a concealed position beforehand.
Word family
- ambusher (noun): A person who lies in wait to launch a surprise attack.
Collocations
- deadly ambush
- lay an ambush
- walk into an ambush
Example sentences
- "The troops were caught in a deadly ambush in the dense jungle, where the thick foliage offered perfect concealment for the attackers." A description of guerrilla warfare tactics.
Memory hook
Think of hiding in a 'bush' to jump out and scare someone—that is a literal 'am-bush'. To ambush is to hide in the bushes.
When not to use
Do not use for an open, declared battle or a frontal assault where both sides are fully aware of each other's presence.
Fun facts
- In nature, the 'ambush predator' strategy is used by animals like the praying mantis and the trapdoor spider, who remain completely still until prey walks by.
Related words
Explore more words
counterattack, vulnerability, backstab, feint, surveillance, startle
Also appears in
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