attack

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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!

an attack of

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

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.

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.

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

*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.

*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 Operative, binding, as in This rule is no longer in force.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

References in periodicals archive ?

As a variation of this, the ball can be played to feet of the middle attacker who turns and tries to combine with the other two attackers to get behind the defenders.

Defensive rehearsal

My attacker was a white man and wore an orange shirt and blue jeans," he told police.

Man freed as 'victim' recants

After the attack, pools of blood lay splattered on the pavement outside the embassy, along with a burned car apparently used by the attackers.

INTERNATIONAL: US Embassy attack foiled

org, allowing the attacker to resolve queries to the entire wikipedia.

DNS cache poisoning

We would always advise getting a 6ft distance from the attacker before running away but every situation is different and we need to teach people how to deal with them if running away is not an option.

SELF-DEFENCE CRAZE: Red square go

CRIME SCENE Detective Constable Stuart Adams in Alexandra Gardens, scene of the attack, above, and left, where the girl was first approached by her attacker.

Net is closing on the Big Weekend rapist

A successful countermeasure would substantially delay the attacker while giving the defender enough information about his enemy to prevent the attack from causing damage.

A sweet solution: honeypots distract hackers from valuable networks. (Internet)

Her attacker wore a black balaclava, threatened to kill her and tied her hands behind her back using women's underwear.

Attack No 5 by Dracula sex beast

The security forces retaliated the fire by killing the attacker on the spot, he added.

Attacker among two killed in attack on security check-post

3, that security force opened hail of fire toward a suicide attacker while attempting to storm security center in central Baladruz, before reaching his target, killing him instantly.

BREAKING NEWS Suicide attacker driving bomb car killed when attempted to storm security center in Diyala

The security source said the attack began with a suicide bomber, who blew himself up at the entrance of the Council's building, followed by another attacker, who blew up a booby-trapped car.

Joint Iraqi-U.S. force liberated hostages in Diala Council building - security source

The attacker then ran off as people rushed to help the stricken victim.

TEENAGER FIGHTS FOR LIFE; Victim, 19, kicked in head

Attacker 1 stands with the ball a couple of yards (or meters) outside the penalty arc.

Tactical application of shooting

Alexander Frei, who has scored 25goals in 45international matches, is the crucial attacker, but the young team also counts heavily upon defender Philippe Senderos and forward Tranquillo Barnetta, who helped Switzerland to the 2002 European under-21 championship.

SOUTH KOREA VS. TOGO

The 19-year-old was pounced on and flung to the ground as the heavily-built attacker sank her teeth into the end of the victim's nose.