# ambush

/ˈæmˌbʊʃ/ (US) · /ˈæmbʊʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ambush
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a surprise attack

noun · CEFR B2

a surprise attack by people who were hiding and waiting.

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

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

## Examples

- The soldiers survived the ambush in the forest.
- The journalist felt ambushed by the sudden, aggressive questions from the press conference.
- The general planned the ambush carefully, ensuring his troops remained hidden until the enemy column entered the narrow valley.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.