napadají

Napadají is a Czech verb form meaning “they attack.” Grammatically, it is the third person plural present tense of the imperfective verb napadat, which conveys an ongoing or habitual action. The term can describe physical aggression as well as figurative attacks, such as challenging or criticizing an argument or proposal.

Etymology and scope: napadat derives from the prefix na- attached to the verb padat (to fall) or padnout (to drop), with a sense shift toward coming upon and assaulting. The imperfective napadat contrasts with the perfective napadnout, which denotes a single, completed act of attack.

Usage notes: The direct object is typically in the accusative. Examples include napadají lidi (they attack people) or napadají jeho návrh (they challenge his proposal). In news or legal language, napadání can refer to physical assaults or brawls. In rhetorical or political discourse, napadat can mean to attack or question a claim, argument, or policy rather than a physical act.

Examples:

- Skupina ozbrojených mužů napadá kolemjdoucí.

- Kritici napadají navrženou reformu jako neudržitelnou.

Related terms and nuances: synonyms include útočit and napadnout (perfective counterpart), přepadnout or znepřipravit in certain contexts. Napadat often emphasizes multiple aggressors, a sequence of actions, or a critique rather than a single, isolated strike.