n. Function: verb
1 to act in violent opposition FF1C; cavalry attacked the Indian camp FF1E;
Synonyms: aggress, assail, assault, beset, fall (on or upon), storm, strike
Related Words: invade, irrupt; charge, raid, rush; besiege, blockade, encompass, invest; beleaguer, beset, harass, harry, press; turn (on)
Idioms: gang up on, light into, sail into, set upon, take the offensive
Contrasted Words: defend, guard, protect, shield; combat, oppose, resist, withstand
2 to begin to work vigorously (as at a task) FF1C; attack a problem FF1E;
Synonyms: bang away (at), tackle
Related Words: buckle (to or down or down to), fall to, pitch in, wade (in or into)
Idioms: address ( or apply or devote) oneself to, give oneself up to
Contrasted Words: dawdle, lag, poke, putter