Ambush

/ˈæm.bʊʃ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a surprise attack by people lying in wait in a concealed position.

The soldiers set an ambush to catch the enemy off guard.

the act of lying in wait to make a surprise attack.

The ambush was carefully planned to ensure maximum effectiveness.

verb

to make a surprise attack on someone from a concealed position.

The rebels ambushed the government convoy as it passed through the forest.

to attack unexpectedly.

They ambushed their rival during a moment of distraction.

Middle English 'ambuschen', from Old French 'embuschier' (to place in a bush), from 'busche' (bush).

laid an ambush:

to secretly prepare to attack someone or something.

ambush marketing:

a marketing strategy where a company tries to capitalize on the visibility of a major event without paying sponsorship fees.

ambush tactics:

strategies used to surprise the enemy or opponent.

To catch someone off guard.

He ambushed me with that question out of nowhere.

To trap someone in a difficult situation.

The meeting felt like an ambush when they raised all those issues.