What does ambush mean Meaning and Definition

What does ambush mean

What does ambush mean

Pronunciation

/ˈæmbəʃ/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A surprise attack or surprise event, usually sudden and unexpected.

Examples

  • The team planned an ambush on the enemy base.
  • The sudden release of the company’s financial reports was an ambush for the investors.

Synonyms

  • Surprise
  • Attack

Antonyms

  • Expectation
  • Prelude

Etymology

The word “ambush” comes from the Old French “ambuscade,” meaning “hidden attack,” which is derived from the Latin “in ambuscus,” meaning “in hiding.”

Usage Notes

Ambush can be used to describe a surprise event, attack, or situation where someone is caught off guard. It is often used in military, sports, or tactical contexts.

Cultural References

Ambush has been featured in various movies, TV shows, and video games, including “The Bourne Identity,” “Call of Duty,” and “Metal Gear Solid.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

  • Ambush marketing
  • Ambush attack

Related Words or Phrases

  • Surprise
  • Attack
  • Trap

Collocations

  • Ambush attack
  • Ambush surprise
  • Ambush tactic

Frequency of Use

The word “ambush” is commonly used in English, particularly in military, sports, and tactical contexts.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings of “ambush” include “ambushe,” “ambucade,” and “ambuscade.”

Related Words