What does "ambush" mean?

1. (a surprise attack) a surprise attack by people who were hiding and waiting.

How do you use "ambush"?

Often used with the verbs 'lay', 'set', or 'fall into'.

ambush

US //ˈæmˌbʊʃ// UK //ˈæmbʊʃ// am·bush

1 a surprise attack (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a surprise attack by people who were hiding and waiting.

a sudden attack launched from a concealed position against an unsuspecting target.

Example

The soldiers were caught in an ambush while walking through the narrow valley.

Example

The rebels planned a sophisticated ambush along the supply route, waiting for the convoy to enter the gorge before opening fire.

Usage

Often used with the verbs 'lay', 'set', or 'fall into'.
- surprise attack
- trap

Origin

From Middle English enbuschen, from Old French enbuscier, anbuchier (verb) (whence Middle French embusche (noun)), from Old French en- + Vulgar Latin boscus (“wood”) (whence also bouquet), from Frankish busk (“bush”), from Proto-Germanic buskaz (“bush, heavy stick”). Compare ambuscade. The change to am- from earlier forms in en- is unexplained. More at bush.