Verbs Related to Conflict and Military Actions

to act violently against someone or something to try to harm them

The predators in the wild often attack weaker members of the herd.

(of police) to unexpectedly visit a person or place to arrest suspects or find illegal goods

The narcotics division decided to raid the suspected drug den to apprehend the traffickers.

to take part in a violent physical action against someone

The soldiers bravely fought on the front lines during the war.

(of military) to move away in order to escape the danger because one has been defeated or is weak

Faced with overwhelming enemy forces, the battalion decided to retreat from the battlefield.

to join the armed forces

At the age of 18, he decided to enlist in the army to serve his country.

(of a state) to organize and prepare for a military operation

In response to the threat, the country decided to mobilize its military forces.

to gather individuals, like military or jury duty personnel, to fulfill their assigned duties

The military commander decided to muster the troops for an important mission.

to adapt something for use in conflict or violence

Scientists discovered a way to weaponize drones for surveillance and combat.

one of the two body parts that is connected to the shoulder and ends with fingers

He got a sunburn on his arm after spending the day at the beach.

to deprive someone or something of weapons or the ability to cause harm

Police officers worked to peacefully disarm the suspect holding hostages.

to carry out a sudden and intense military attack

The military commanders decided to blitz the enemy's positions, hoping to catch them off guard.

a place or building where we can get on or off a train or bus

I arrived early at the station to make sure I didn't miss my train.

a goal that someone tries to achieve

She set a target to save a certain amount of money by the end of the year.

to direct or guide something such as a weapon at a person or thing

The archer carefully aimed the arrow at the bullseye.

an object that is designed to explode and cause destruction

The bomb exploded in the crowded market, causing widespread panic and chaos.

the result of something burning that often produces heat, flame, light, and smoke

Can you please add some logs to the fire to keep it burning?

to release a bullet or arrow from a gun or bow

The police officer had to shoot to defend against the armed suspect.

to fail to catch a bus, airplane, etc.

I got lost on my way to the airport and I'm going to miss my flight.

to drop bombs on someone or something continuously

During the war, the enemy aircraft would bombard the city with relentless airstrikes.

the hard protective case or covering of some animals such as a snail, mussel, crab, or turtle

to wait in a concealed location and launch a surprise attack on a target

The guerrilla fighters planned to ambush the enemy convoy on the narrow mountain pass.

to be the person who leads something like an attack, campaign, movement, etc.

The general chose to spearhead the military offensive personally.

to enter a territory using armed forces in order to occupy or take control of it

The army decided to invade the neighboring country to secure vital resources.

a state of armed fighting between two or more groups, nations, or states

The soldiers marched off to battle, prepared to defend their country in war.

to call someone on the phone

He called up the customer to address their concerns.

to seriously injure or kill a person by shooting them, particularly someone who is defenseless

The assailant attempted to gun down his target in a crowded market.

to fire upon an aircraft or another object with the intent of bringing it to the ground

The military had to shoot the enemy aircraft down to protect the airspace.

to make a military observation or examination of an area to gather information, often in preparation for a future action

The soldiers were sent to reconnoiter the enemy's positions before the main assault.