diversionary attack
1
7.8
- noun
- /dɪˈvɜrʒəˌnɛri əˈtæk/
- Specialized
:
ataque distractor
- To distract their opponents, the generals ordered a diversionary attack on the eastern flank.
Examples
-
Our division was to create a diversionary attack and lure the Iraqi forces into a huge kill zone.
Fiction book (1994) -
- Gentlemen, if we could use a specialized team to initiate the diversionary attack toward the center of his headquarter's position and then move in force to secure the left plank, I believe would could roll up his entire line of defense.
-
The military strategy included a diversionary attack to divert the enemy's focus from the main offensive.
-
In the battle, a carefully timed diversionary attack drew enemy troops away from the vulnerable area.
Synonyms
60
7.2
An attack that draws the enemy's attention away from the main force
How Distracting
- Specialized
1
7.8
10
6.3
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and predictably derived from 'diversionary' (designed to divert attention) + 'attack' (a military strike), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it is an attack intended to distract from the main assault. This adjective+noun composition is a common, cross-linguistic pattern and therefore readily transparent to B1 learners.
Etymology
Diversionary attack is like a small, noisy attack that pulls the enemy's guards to one place so the main force can move elsewhere. The idea of making a clear attack as a diversionary move explains why it means 'an attack to distract the enemy'.