Posted by JRM on June 15, 2001 at 10:38:23:
In Reply to: Re: i think you guys are saying the same thing... posted by johnb on June 15, 2001 at 01:26:38:
from www.m-w.com:
Main Entry: 1at·tack
Pronunciation: &-'tak
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle French attaquer, from (assumed) Old Italian estaccare
to attach, from stacca stake, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English staca
Date: 1600
transitive senses
1 : to set upon or work against forcefully
2 : to assail with unfriendly or bitter words
3 : to begin to affect or to act on injuriously
4 : to set to work on
5 : to threaten (a piece in chess) with immediate capture
intransitive senses : to make an attack
- at·tack·er noun
synonyms ATTACK, ASSAIL, ASSAULT, BOMBARD, STORM mean to make
an onslaught upon. ATTACK implies taking the initiative in a struggle . ASSAIL implies attempting to break down
resistance by repeated blows or shots . ASSAULT suggests a direct attempt to overpower by suddenness and
violence of onslaught .
BOMBARD applies to attacking with bombs or shells . STORM implies attempting to break into a defended position
.
Draw your own conclusions.
JRM