Definition

A person who initiates an attack or assault on someone or something.

Example

The attacker was apprehended by the police shortly after the incident.

Conversation

Did you hear about that robbery at the store last night?

Yeah, I read it was an attacker who broke in.

That’s really scary! I wonder if they caught the attacker.

I hope so, it’s important for everyone to feel safe.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Attacker → It is formed from "attack" (from Old French *ataquer*, meaning to assault or set upon) and "-er" (meaning a person who). An attacker is a person who assaults or sets upon someone or something.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'assaults' ('attack') another person — the '-er' just means a person. An attacker is someone who sets upon another.

Visually Confused Words