dawn attack
Strike at daybreak
A dawn attack is a military assault launched at first light, when defenders are likely to be tired and visibility is just beginning to improve.
The tactic exploits the transitional moment between darkness and daylight: The battalion prepared for a dawn attack on the enemy position.
The term sometimes extends to any surprise action timed for early morning.
- sunriseMorning light's arrival
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- raidSudden armed incursion
- assaultViolent offensive act
- ground assaultAttack by foot soldiers
offensive · strike · military · military operation · surprise · troops · troop movement · charge · battle cry · battle · zero hour · shock and awe · blitz · invasion · predawn · first light · morning · soldiers
dawn attackdefensive position
Fortified spot for resistance
defensive stand · holding action · withdrawal · retreat · strategic retreat
dawn, attack, dawns, dawned, dawning, attacks, attacked, attacking, attacker