English Reference
noun

attacker

n.
US /əˈtækɝ/ UK /ɐtˈækɐ/ at·tack·er UK spelling attackers

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    a person who tries to hurt someone else using physical force or a weapon.

    an individual who initiates a physical assault or violent action against another person or entity.

    Simple

    The victim managed to describe the attacker to the police after the robbery.

    In context

    Witnesses reported that the attacker fled the scene on foot before emergency services could arrive to assist the injured party.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Sport

    a player in a game like football whose main job is to move forward and score goals.

    an offensive player in a team sport, such as football or hockey, primarily responsible for scoring or creating scoring opportunities.

    Simple

    The team's star attacker scored two goals in the final ten minutes of the game.

    In context

    The coach decided to substitute a defender for a third attacker in a desperate attempt to equalise during the final minutes of the match.


From attack + -er.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated