| Word | ambuscade |
|---|---|
| Date | June 10, 2010 |
| Type | noun |
| Syllables | AM-buh-skayd |
| Etymology | "Ambuscade" derives from Middle French "embuscade," a modification of an Old Italian word formed by combining the prefix "in-" and the Latin noun "bosco," meaning "forest." This is appropriate, since many such surprise attacks have involved the attacking force hiding out in and emerging from a wooded area. "Ambuscade" has not changed in meaning since General Washington’s day, though nowadays we are more likely to use its synonym "ambush." That word actually took a slightly different path to English -- via Middle English "embushen," from Anglo-French "en-" ("in-") and "busche" ("log" or "firewood") -- though the two words ultimately share a relationship. |
| Examples | "They were apprized of the ambuscade by one of the flanking party, before the Indians fired upon them…." (George Washington, letter, August 4, 1756) |
| Definition | : a trap in which concealed persons lie in wait to attack by surprise; also : the persons so concealed or their position |
Tags: wordoftheday::noun
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