Definition

1. Noun:

   • A surprise attack from a concealed position: An "ambush" is a military tactic or hostile act where attackers hide and then suddenly attack an unsuspecting enemy or target.
   • The concealed position or trap itself: "Ambush" can also refer to the place where such an attack is prepared or the act of lying in wait.

2. Verb:

   • To attack from a concealed position: To "ambush" means to carry out a surprise attack by lying in wait.
   • To lie in wait to attack: It describes the act of hiding with the intent to launch a sudden assault.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The soldiers were caught in a deadly ambush.
  • They set up an ambush along the narrow mountain path.

• Verb:

  • The rebels planned to ambush the supply convoy.
  • The tiger ambushes its prey from the tall grass.

Advanced Usage

• "To lay an ambush": to prepare and position oneself for a surprise attack.

  • The general ordered his troops to lay an ambush at the river crossing.

• "To lie/wait in ambush": to hide, waiting to attack.

  • The commandos lay in ambush for three days before the target appeared.

Variants and Related Words

• Ambushment (n): (Archaic) An ambush.
• Ambusher (n): A person or group that carries out an ambush.
  • The ambushers remained perfectly silent.

Synonyms

• Noun: Trap, surprise attack, snare.
• Verb: Waylay, bushwhack, surprise.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: "Ambush" is not typically used in phrasal verb constructions. The related actions are expressed with prepositions like "in" or "to lay.")

Related Idioms

• "To spring an ambush": to launch or initiate the hidden attack.
  • When the lead vehicle entered the kill zone, they sprang the ambush.

Noun

1. the act of concealing yourself and lying in wait to attack by surprise

Verb

1. hunt (quarry) by stalking and ambushing
2. wait in hiding to attack