under attack

Thân thiện

The small village is under attack from a swarm of locusts.

Definition

Adjective phrase: - Being actively assaulted or criticized: The phrase describes a person, group, place, or idea that is currently the target of physical attacks, military assault, or severe verbal criticism and blame.

Usage

The phrase "under attack" is used to describe a state of being assailed. It functions as an adjective phrase, typically following a linking verb like "is," "was," or "comes." It can describe literal, physical assaults or figurative, verbal criticisms.

Examples

• Literal/Military Context:
  • The fortress was under attack from all sides.
  • Our computer systems are under attack by hackers.
• Figurative/Critical Context:
  • The mayor's policy came under attack from opposition leaders.
  • His reputation is under attack in the media.

Advanced Usage

• "to be under sustained attack": to be subjected to continuous, prolonged assault or criticism.
  • The research findings have been under sustained attack from industry lobbyists.
• "to bring/come under attack": to cause or to become the target of attack or criticism.
  • The new law quickly came under attack for being unconstitutional.

Variants and Related Words

• Under fire: An idiom with a very similar meaning, often used for criticism. (e.g., )
• Assailed: (Verb) To be criticized or attacked forcefully.
• Besieged: (Adjective) Literally surrounded by military forces; figuratively, overwhelmed with requests or criticism.

Synonyms

• Being assaulted
• Under assault
• Under criticism
• Under siege (often implies being surrounded or overwhelmed)

Related Phrases

• On the defensive: Forced to defend oneself against attacks or criticism.
  • The scandal put the entire administration on the defensive.
• A sitting duck: An easy target for attack.
  • Without air support, our troops were sitting ducks.

Related Idioms

• In the line of fire: In a position where one is likely to be criticized or blamed.
  • As the spokesperson, she was directly in the line of fire during the press conference.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. subjected to enemy attack or censure
   • an official under fire for mismanagement

Từ đồng nghĩa

• under attack
• under fire