Attack, n.
Synonyms:
| aggression, | incursion, | invasion, | onslaught, |
| assault, | infringement, | onset, | trespass. |
| encroachment, | intrusion, | ||
An attack may be by word; an aggression is always by deed. An assault may be upon the person, an aggression is upon rights, possessions, etc. An invasion of a nation's territories is an act of aggression; an intrusion upon a neighboring estate is a trespass. Onslaught signifies intensely violent assault, as by an army or a desperado, tho it is sometimes used of violent speech.
Antonyms:
defense, repulsion, resistance, retreat, submission, surrender.
Prepositions:
The enemy made an attack upon (or on) our works.