Ambush
Ambush (am"bosh) , noun
[French embûche, from the verb. See Ambush, transitive verb]
1.
A disposition or arrangement of troops for attacking an enemy unexpectedly from a concealed station. Hence: Unseen peril; a device to entrap; a snare.
Heaven, whose high walls fear no assault or siege
Or ambush from the deep.
2.
A concealed station, where troops or enemies lie in wait to attack by surprise.
Bold in close ambush, base in open field.
3.
The troops posted in a concealed place, for attacking by surprise; liers in wait. [Obsolete]
The ambush arose quickly out of their place.
Collocations (1)
To lay an ambush , to post a force in ambush.
Ambush (am"bosh) , transitive verb
[Old English enbussen, enbushen, Old French embushier, embuissier, French embûcher, embusquer, from Late Latin imboscare; in + Late Latin boscus, buscus, a wood; akin to German bush, English bush. See Ambuscade, Bush.]
1.
To station in ambush with a view to surprise an enemy.
By ambushed men behind their temple laid,
We have the king of Mexico betrayed.
2.
To attack by ambush; to waylay.
Ambush , intransitive verb
To lie in wait, for the purpose of attacking by surprise; to lurk.
Nor saw the snake that ambushed for his prey.