attackee

noun

at·​tack·​ee ə-ˌta-ˈkē How to pronounce attackee (audio)
plural attackees
: someone or something that is the victim or target of an attack : one that is attacked
When it attacked someone, an article often included a rebuttal from that person at the story's end—no need to wait for a nasty letter from the attackee in the following month's issue.Bob Betcher, Press Journal (Vero Beach, Florida), 2 Nov. 2001
This posture will usually cause the attacker to hold off long enough for the attackee to hurry back to its own territory.Larry S. Thompson, Audubon Magazine, September 1985

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of attackee was in 1872

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near attackee

Cite this Entry

“Attackee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attackee. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!