French word

embuscade

Pronunciation

IPA/ɑ̃byskad/

Meaning

  • feminine nounambush

Example

Ils ont tendu une embuscade sur la route.

They laid an ambush along the road.

Illustration for embuscade (ambush)

More examples

Grâce aux renseignements, l'équipe a déjoué une embuscade.

Thanks to the intelligence, the team foiled an ambush.

Core concept

A hidden threat waits for a person, vehicle, or force before launching a sudden attack.

Common phrases

  • repérer une embuscade

    spot an ambush

  • déjouer une embuscade

    foil an ambush

Similar words

piège: An object or scheme set up to capture someone.
guet-apens: A concealed trap or act of ambushing someone by surprise.
attaque: An act of attacking another person or group.

Definition in French

Manœuvre qui consiste à se dissimuler pour surprendre et attaquer une cible.

Word origin

The word entered French from Italian and preserves the idea of attackers concealed in woodland or another hiding place.

Usage tips

  • The target is commonly introduced with à in tendre une embuscade à une patrouille.

Word lists with this word