An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1a) An aggressive and violent act against a person or place.

1b) Chem.: The beginning of a series of destructive reactions.

2a) To apply aggressive military action against (a place or enemy forces).

2b) Chem.: To begin a destructive reaction by breaking a bond or forming a new bond.

Etymology (EN): From M.Fr. attaquer, from Florentine Italian attaccare (battaglia) “join (battle).”

Etymology (PE): Patâk, from pa-, short for pati- “contrary, opposite” (az in panâh, padid), → against,

• tâk, variants tak, tag, tâz “rush, running, attack,” related to tâxtan “to run; to hasten; to assault,” → flow.