a vicious attack — savage/violent attack (figurative or literal)
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
an attack that is extremely violent, cruel, or aggressive, either physically or in words; often used to emphasize the intensity or brutality of criticism, arguments, or physical assaults.
Say it like a native
Textbook He was subjected to a brutally ferocious assault.
Native He came under a vicious attack.
'Brutally ferocious assault' overwrites; 'a vicious attack' is the standard collocation.
Pattern: a vicious attack (on/upon someone/something)
In use
- The politician faced a vicious attack from the media after the scandal was revealed.communication
- In my opinion, social media can make it easier for people to launch a vicious attack on others without facing any real consequences, which is a worrying trend.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ a vicious attack to his character.
✓ a vicious attack on his character.
'An attack ON someone/something', not 'to'.
Common collocations
a vicious attack on— on, launch, come under, personal
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'a strong attack', which can simply mean forceful, 'a vicious attack' always carries a sense of cruelty or brutality, whether physical or verbal.