attack

An attack is an act intended to harm, coerce, or disrupt a target. It may employ physical force, weapons, or non-physical means such as deception, malware, or information warfare. The term is used across many domains, from military and security operations to sports and medicine, and its exact meaning depends on context.

In military and security contexts, an attack is a purposeful action designed to weaken an opponent or seize an objective. Attacks can be kinetic, such as the use of explosive weapons, or non-kinetic, including cyber assaults, electronic warfare, or strategic strikes. International humanitarian law governs the conduct of armed attacks, emphasizing distinction, proportionality, and necessity; civilian populations and protected objects are to be spared and military force should be proportionate to the objective.

In cybersecurity, a cyber-attack is a deliberate attempt to breach, disrupt, or degrade information systems. Common forms include malware, phishing, denial-of-service campaigns, and intrusions aimed at data exfiltration or operational disruption. Defenses include access controls, anomaly detection, and incident response planning.

In sports and games, attack describes the offense—the phase where teams or players seek to score, breach a defense, or gain advantage. In some disciplines, such as chess, attack refers to sustained pressure on an opponent's position or king, often involving tactical combinations.

In everyday usage, "attack" can refer to sudden onset of symptoms, as in an asthma attack or panic attack, or metaphorically to criticize or vilify someone. The concept generally conveys an aggressive act aimed at reducing the target's capabilities or status.