attack

angle of attack

The position of an airplane as it moves through the air. What is our angle of attack, Captain? Are we going to be able to land this plane as planned?

See also: angle, attack, of

attack is the best form of defense

Launching an offensive is the best way to protect oneself. I need to start some rumors about Dean, before he comes after me. I know it sounds harsh, but attack is the best form of defense!

See also: attack, defense, form, of

an attack of

A sudden or acute onset of (an illness). I went to bed early last night after an attack of indigestion.

See also: attack, of

on the attack

Going after an opponent with aggression, forcefulness, and tenacity. England has been on the attack this entire second half, threatening a historic victory against the returning German champions. Often criticized for his calm and noncombative demeanor, the candidate made a point of being on the attack throughout the debate.

See also: attack, on

under attack

In the state of being attacked. Battle stations! We're under attack! I constantly feel like I'm under attack during these meetings, but a lot of these issues don't even relate to my department.

See also: attack

in force

1. Legally enforced; in effect. There was a law like that on the books, but I'm not sure it's still in force.

2. In a large group; at full strength, as of an army. The voters are going to come out against you in force if you don't change your position on this. You better believe the fans will be there in force to support the team at the critical road game.

See also: force

bloody nose attack

A pre-emptive military strike intended to accomplish some objective while being limited enough in scope to (ideally) prevent retaliation by target. Sir, I worry that a bloody nose attack will just cause them to attack us more fiercely in return.

See also: attack, bloody, nose

*an attack

(of an illness) a bout of some sickness; an instance or acute case of some disease. (*Typically: have ~; produce ~; suffer ~.) Mr. Hodder had an attack of stomach upset that forced him to stay at home.

See also: attack

*in force

 

1. [of a rule or law] currently valid or in effect. (*Typically: be ~.) Is this rule in force now? The constitution is still in force.

2. Fig. in a very large group. (*Typically: arrive ~; attack ~.) The entire group arrived in force. The mosquitoes will attack in force this evening.

See also: force

produce an attack

(of an illness) Go to an attack (of an illness).

See also: attack, produce

suffer an attack

 (of an illness)

1. Go to an attack (of an illness).

See also: attack, suffer

in force

1. In full strength, in large numbers, as in Demonstrators were out in force. This usage originally alluded to a large military force. [Early 1300s]

2. Operative, binding, as in This rule is no longer in force. This usage originally alluded to the binding power of a law. [Late 1400s]

See also: force

in force

in great strength or numbers.

1989 Amy Wilentz The Rainy Season They turned out in force, armed with machetes and cocomacaques.

See also: force

Big Mac attack

n. a sudden and desperate need for a Big Mac sandwich, a product of the McDonald’s restaurant chain. (Big Mac is a protected trade name of McDonald’s.) I feel a Big Mac attack coming on!

See also: attack, big, mac

in force

1. In full strength; in large numbers: Demonstrators were out in force.

2. In effect; operative: a rule that is no longer in force.

See also: force