Module 6 Unexplained Mysteries of the Natural WorldSection 3 Words and Expressionsattackv. 1 [I or T] to try to hurt or defeat using violence: He was attacked and seriously injured by a gang of youths.Army forces have been attacking the town since dawn.Most wild animals won’t attack unless they are provoked.2 [T] to criticize sb. strongly: She wrote an article attacking the judges and their conduct of the trial.The report attacks the idea of exams for 7- and 8-year-olds.3 [T] If sth., such as a disease or a chemical, attacks sth., it damages it: AIDS attacks the body’s immune system.My rose bushes are being attacked by greenfly.n.1 [C or U] a violent act intended to hurt or damage sb. or sth.:a racist attackEnemy forces have made an attack on the city.These bomb blasts suggest that the terrorists are (going) on the attack (= trying to defeat or hurt other people) again.The town was once again under attack (= being attacked).2 [C or U] when you say sth. to strongly criticize sb. or sth.:a scathing attack on the presidentThe government has come under attack from all sides for cutting education spending.3 [C] a sudden and short period of illness:an attack of asthma/flu/malariaFIGURATIVE an attack of the gigglesexistv. 1. have an existence, be extant: Does life exist on other planets? The problem only exists in your head, Jane. Few of these monkeys still exist in the wild. On his retirement the post will cease to exist. The charity exists to support victims of crime.2. support oneself: He could barely exist on such a low wage. We existed on a diet of rice. They can’t exist on the money he’s earning.mysteriousadj. 1. having an import not apparent to the senses nor obvious to the...
