Attentat (en. Attack)

/atɑ̃ta/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Premeditated and violent act, often for political purposes.
The attack was claimed by a radical group.
L'attentat a été revendiqué par un groupe radical.
Attempted assassination against a person.
He survived an attack orchestrated by his enemies.
Il a survécu à un attentat orchestré par ses ennemis.
Willful damage to property or a place.
The attack destroyed several historic buildings.
L'attentat a détruit plusieurs bâtiments historiques.

Etymology

From the Latin 'attentatum', meaning 'the act of reaching out', 'attack'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to commit an attack
To carry out a violent act against people or property.
commettre un attentat
suicide attack
Action where the perpetrator kills themselves while inflicting harm on others.
attentat suicide
bomb attack
Use of an explosion to cause damage.
attentat à la bombe

Related Words

terrorism
Acts of violence intended to sow terror.
terrorisme
assailant
Person who physically attacks.
assaillant
victim
Person affected by an attack.
victime

Slang Meanings

Act of intentionally causing damage.
He talks about attack when mentioning the destruction of public property.
Il parle d'attentat quand il évoque la destruction des biens publics.
Violent incident.
In the neighborhood, an attack created panic.
Dans le quartier, un attentat a créé la panique.