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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?

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

*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

on the attack

forcefully criticizing or energetically competing against someone Flynn went on the attack against his rivals, finally bringing some life into a very dull campaign.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of on the attack (using force against an enemy)

See also: attack, on

under attack

being acted against physically or with words She said cuts in spending put education in America under attack.

Related vocabulary: under fire

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of under attack (having physical force used against you)

See also: attack

in force

in effect and in use The law has been in force for two years.

Usage notes: used when referring to laws, rules, agreements, and systems

See also: force

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 Operative, binding, as in This rule is no longer in force.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

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