a surprise attack by people lying in wait in a concealed position, an act or instance of attacking unexpectedly from a concealed position

lay in ambush, spring an ambush, walk into an ambush

Formal and Informal Expressions of ambush

In different contexts, you can replace 'ambush' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'surprise attack, ambuscade' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'trap' is a commonplace synonym.

ambush: Explore its Definition & Usage

ambush Definition

1a surprise attack by people lying in wait in a concealed position
2an act or instance of attacking unexpectedly from a concealed position

Using ambush: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ambush" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The soldiers were ambushed and killed by enemy forces.
Example
The robbers ambushed the armored truck on the highway.
Example
The hunters set up an ambush for the deer.

ambush Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for ambush

trap
ambuscade
surprise attack
waylay

Phrases with ambush

lay in ambush
to hide and wait for someone or something to come by in order to attack or capture it
Example
The rebels laid in ambush for the government troops.
spring an ambush
to attack someone who is waiting to attack you
Example
The soldiers sprang an ambush on the enemy.
walk into an ambush
to be caught by surprise and attacked
Example
The police officers walked into an ambush when they entered the building.

Origins of ambush

from Old French 'embuschier', meaning 'to place in a wood'

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Summary: ambush in Brief

An 'ambush' [ˈæmbʊʃ] is a surprise attack by people lying in wait in a concealed position. It can also refer to an act or instance of attacking unexpectedly from a concealed position. Examples include soldiers being ambushed by enemy forces, robbers ambushing an armored truck, and hunters setting up an ambush for deer. Phrases like 'lay in ambush' and 'spring an ambush' describe the act of hiding and waiting for someone or something to come by in order to attack or capture it.