fall upon

Descend on unexpectedly

Fall upon means to attack suddenly or descend on with force: The troops fell upon the village at dawn.

It extends to seizing eagerly: She fell upon the food as if she hadn't eaten in days.

The phrase can also mean to befall or happen to someone: A great misfortune fell upon the family.

Fall upon is somewhat literary; everyday speech favors attack or fall on.

discover

come across

Find accidentally

encounterUnexpected meeting or confrontation
findLocate through effort
unearthExcavate or reveal hidden

uncover · detect · spot · notice · locate · run into · discover · meet with

attack

ambush

Surprise strike from concealment

assaultViolent offensive act
pounceSudden attack leap
chargeCost or accusation

raid · besiege · invade · overpower · overwhelm · strike · engage · confront · rush · storm

befall

afflict

Cause persistent distress

visitTrip to see another
overtakePass while moving faster
strikeForceful impact or stoppage

beset · burden · plague · torment · overcome · overwhelm · engulf · seize · grip · consume

inherit

come to

Regain awareness after unconsciousness

receiveAccept something offered
acquireGain possession of
obtainCome into possession of

Categories

discoveryfind, finding, discovery, discover, finding out

Opposites

aggression/attack

fall uponretreat

Sanctuary or withdrawal

abandon · shy away from · stand down · evacuate

discovery/encounter

fall uponmiss

Fail to reach

overlook · pass by · bypass · ignore · avoid

burden/responsibility

fall uponspare

Held in reserve

exempt · absolve

Family

fall, fell, upon, fallen, falling, falls, downfall, waterfall, rainfall

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G