attack dog
Definition
- Noun:
- A watchdog trained to attack on command: A dog, typically of a specific breed, that has been trained to aggressively charge, bite, or subdue a person or animal upon receiving a signal from its handler.
Usage
- The term "attack dog" specifically refers to a dog with specialized training for offensive or defensive aggression under command. It is distinct from a guard dog, which may primarily deter through presence and barking.
- It is often used in both literal contexts (security, law enforcement, military) and figurative contexts (politics, criticism) to describe someone who aggressively criticizes or opposes others on behalf of another person or group.
Examples
- Noun:
- The compound was protected by several highly trained attack dogs.
- In the debate, the senator's spokesperson acted as his political attack dog.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: Used metaphorically to describe a person who is fiercely and aggressively loyal to a cause, leader, or organization, often tasked with criticizing opponents.
- The columnist served as the party's main attack dog, writing scathing critiques of rival candidates.
Variants and Related Words
- Guard dog (n): A dog used to watch over and protect property, but not necessarily trained to attack on command.
- Watchdog (n): A dog kept to guard property; also used figuratively for a person or group that monitors others for wrongdoing.
Synonyms
- Enforcer
- Aggressor (in the figurative sense)
Related Phrases
- (To) deploy attack dogs: To use aggressive tactics, either literally or figuratively.
- The regime deployed both police and rhetorical attack dogs to suppress dissent.
Related Idioms
- (Someone's) attack dog: A phrase identifying a person who performs aggressive, often verbal, attacks on behalf of another.
- He didn't make the accusations himself; he let his attack dog in the media do it for him.
Noun
-
a watchdog trained to attack on command
