attack-v; 3 Senses

Sense Number 1: launch an assault, try to hurt or defeat, cause damage

Commentary: Metaphorical Usage: MEDICAL - chemical/disease attack body parts/organs/systems

Examples:
He was attacked and seriously injured by a gang of youths.
Army forces have been attacking the town since dawn.
Most wild animals won't attack unless they are provoked.
AIDS attacks the body's immune system.
My rose bushes are being attacked by greenfly.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: Attack
PropBank: attack.01
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: 1, 3, 4, 6

Sense Number 2: criticize strongly or severely

Examples:
She wrote an article attacking the judges and their conduct of the trial.
The report attacks the idea of exams for 7 and 8 year-olds.

Mappings:
VerbNet: judgement-33
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: attack.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2

Sense Number 3: deal with something in an efficient way

Examples:
I'll attack the issue as soon as I get out of the bed.
We have to attack these problems now and find some solutions.
The children rushed in and eagerly attacked the food.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: attack.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 5