attack
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an attack of (some illness)
A sudden or acute onset of (an illness). I went to bed early last night after an attack of indigestion.
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?
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!
Big Mac attack
A craving for a Big Mac sandwich from McDonald's. The phrase gained popularity through its use in commercials. Let's go to McDonald's for dinner—I'm having a real Big Mac attack.
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.
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
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.
phishing attack
An instance of someone stealing, or attempting to steal, personal information from someone else over the phone or on the internet by pretending to be someone or something that legitimately requires such details. We've gotten reports of an increasing number of phishing attacks being made against our customers recently. Remember, we will never ask you for your password under any circumstances, whether on the phone or by email. The use of the so-called dark web makes the culprits behind these phishing attacks nearly impossible to catch.
produce an attack (of some illness)
To trigger a sudden or acute onset of some illness or its symptoms. All of the dust in the air produced an attack of asthma. After living with epilepsy for so long, I've learned to recognize what will produce an attack.
smurf attack
slang A distributed-denial-of-service (DDOS) attack that spoofs an intended victim's source IP and uses it to broadcast large numbers of Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) packets to a large computer network in order to receive an overwhelming number of responses. The company's website has been down for nearly 72 hours after being hit by a smurf attack.
spoofing attack
The practice of stealing, or attempting to steal, personal information over the phone or on the internet by pretending to be someone or something that legitimately requires such details. We've gotten reports of an increasing number of spoofing attacks being made against our customers recently. Remember, we will never ask you for your password under any circumstances, whether on the phone or by email. The use of the so-called dark web makes the culprits behind these spoofing attacks nearly impossible to catch.
suffer an attack of (some illness)
To be stricken by a sudden or acute onset of some kind of illness or its symptoms. I went to bed early last night after suffering a severe attack of indigestion. He suffered an asthma attack halfway through the hike.
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
*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).
suffer an attack
(of an illness)1. Go to an attack (of an illness).
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!
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