ambuscade
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌæm.bəˈskeɪd/
KK: /æmˈbʌskeɪd/
noun
Definition
A surprise attack from a hidden position.
Example
The soldiers set up an ambuscade to surprise the enemy.
Conversation
Did you hear about that surprise ambuscade during the game last night?
Yeah, it was so unexpected!
I didn't think they would pull off such a clever ambuscade.
Me neither! It really changed the whole momentum of the match.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
ambush
trap
snare
Antonyms
escape
retreat
advance
transitive verb
Definition
To launch a surprise attack from a hidden position.
Example
The soldiers planned to ambuscade the enemy as they crossed the river.
Tense Forms
Past: ambuscaded
Past Participle: ambuscaded
Conversation
Did you hear about that surprise attack at the park yesterday?
Yeah, I heard they really ambuscade the crowd.
It’s crazy how they could just pop out of nowhere like that.
Root Explanation
Ambuscade comes from the Old French 'embuscade' (meaning ambush), which is derived from the verb 'embusquer' (to ambush), itself formed from 'en-' (meaning in) and 'busque' (meaning bush or thicket). The word describes a hidden position in a bush or thicket from which an ambush is launched.
Memory Tip
Imagine hiding 'in' ('en-') a 'bush' ('busque') to surprise someone — that's how ambuscade relates to an ambush.
Visually Confused Words
muscade
muscadel