an|greifen
Translation
to attack, to assault, to criticize, to tackle
Examples
Der Feind greift die Stadt an.
The enemy is attacking the city.
Er griff das Problem direkt an.
He tackled the problem directly.
Die Säure greift das Metall an.
The acid corrodes the metal.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to attack (sb./sth.) The lions are attacking the zebras.
Similar Words
Synonyms: attackieren, überfallen; Antonyms: verteidigen, schützen
Etymology
From 'an-' (on, at) + 'greifen' (to grab, seize). Literally 'to grab at' someone or something.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'grabbing on' ('an-greifen') to an enemy to attack them.