ENGLISH
REFERENCE

attacking

v. · adj.
US //əˈtækɪŋ// UK //ɐtˈækɪŋ// at·tack·ing
  1. 1 physical aggression (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    trying to hurt someone or something with physical force.

    the act of using physical violence or force against a person, place, or entity.

    Example

    The guards were attacking the castle gates with heavy tools.

    Example

    Witnesses reported seeing the group attacking the storefront during the riot, though the police arrived before any serious damage occurred.
  2. 2 in sports (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    trying to score points or goals in a game.

    the act of moving forward or playing aggressively to score against an opponent.

    Example

    Our team spent the whole second half attacking the other team's goal.

    Example

    By attacking the wings rather than the centre, the team managed to bypass the opponent's dense defensive line.
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  1. 3 tackling a problem (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    starting to deal with a difficult task with a lot of energy.

    addressing a problem, task, or situation with vigorous or determined effort.

    Example

    She is attacking her pile of homework so she can go out later.

    Example

    The research team is attacking the data from several different angles to ensure the final conclusion is robust.
  2. 4 offensive role (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    describing a person or group that is trying to score or win.

    characterising a player, position, or strategy focused on offensive action rather than defence.

    Example

    The coach put more attacking players on the field to try and win the game.

    Example

    The manager's attacking philosophy was evident in the way the full-backs were encouraged to push high up the pitch.
Origin

From attack + -ing.

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