Ambush/ˈæmbʊʃ/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Military Context Often used when referring to surprise military tactics or historical battles. The army's strategy was to ambush their opponents at dawn. Pro Tip 2/3Hidden Attack Emphasizes a sudden and unexpected attack from a concealed position. The bandits lay in ambush, waiting for the caravan to pass by. Pro Tip 3/3Surprise Element The success of an ambush often relies on the element of surprise. For years, highwaymen would ambush travelers on this road.