atroc|ity /ətrɒ s I ti/ (atrocities ) N‑VAR An atrocity is a very cruel, shocking action. □ Those who committed this atrocity should be tried and punished.
at|ro|phy /æ trəfi/ (atrophies , atrophying , atrophied ) VERB If a muscle or other part of the body atrophies , it decreases in size or strength, often as a result of an illness. [FORMAL ]
at|tach ◆◇◇ /ətæ tʃ/ (attaches , attaching , attached )
1 VERB If you attach something to an object, you join it or fasten it to the object. □ [be V -ed + to ] The gadget can be attached to any vertical surface. □ [V n] The astronauts will attach a motor that will boost the satellite into its proper orbit. □ [V -ed] For further information, please contact us on the attached form.
2 VERB If someone attaches himself or herself to you, they join you and stay with you, often without being invited to do so. □ [V pron-refl + to ] Natasha attached herself to the film crew filming at her orphanage.
3 VERB If people attach a quality to someone or something, or if it attaches to them, people consider that they have that quality. □ [V n + to ] The authorities attached much significance to his visit. □ [V + to ] …the magic that still attaches to the word 'spy'. □ [V -ed] …the stigma attached to mental illness.
4 VERB If you attach conditions to something such as an agreement, you state that specific things must be done before the agreement is valid. □ [V n + to ] Banks do have the right to attach conditions to loans.
5 VERB In computing, if you attach a file to a message that you send to someone, you send it with the message but separate from it. □ [V n + to ] It is possible to attach executable program files to e-mail.
6 → see also attached
7 no strings attached → see string SYNONYMS attach VERB 1
stick: Clip the token and stick it on your card.
bind: Bind the ends of the cord together with thread.
join: The link is used to join the two ends of the chain.
fix: It is fixed on the wall.
fasten: Mamma fastened the picture on the wall.
at|ta|ché /ætæ ʃe I , [AM ] æ tæʃe I / (attachés ) N‑COUNT An attaché is a member of staff in an embassy, usually with a special responsibility for something.
at|ta |ché case (attaché cases ) N‑COUNT An attaché case is a flat case for holding documents.
at|tached /ətæ tʃt/
1 ADJ If you are attached to someone or something, you like them very much. □ [+ to ] She is very attached to her family and friends.
2 ADJ If someone is attached to an organization or group of people, they are working with them, often only for a short time. □ [+ to ] Ford was attached to the battalion's first line of transport.
3 ADJ If one organization or institution is attached to a larger organization, it is part of that organization and is controlled and run by it. □ [+ to ] At one time the schools were mainly attached to the church.
at|tach|ment /ətæ tʃmənt/ (attachments )
1 N‑VAR If you have an attachment to someone or something, you are fond of them or loyal to them. □ [+ to ] As a teenager she formed a strong attachment to one of her teachers.
2 N‑COUNT An attachment is a device that can be fixed onto a machine in order to enable it to do different jobs. □ [+ for ] Some models come with attachments for dusting.
3 N‑COUNT An attachment is an extra document that is added to another document. □ [+ to ] Justice Fitzgerald included a 120-page discussion paper as an attachment to the annual report.
4 N‑COUNT In computing, an attachment is a file which is attached separately to a message that you send to someone. □ When you send an e-mail you can also send a sound or graphic file as an attachment.
at|tack ◆◆◆ /ətæ k/ (attacks , attacking , attacked )
1 VERB To attack a person or place means to try to hurt or damage them using physical violence. □ [V n] He bundled the old lady into her hallway and brutally attacked her. □ [V ] While Haig and Foch argued, the Germans attacked. ● N‑VAR Attack is also a noun. □ [+ on ] …a campaign of air attacks on strategic targets. □ [+ from ] Refugees had come under attack from federal troops.
2 VERB If you attack a person, belief, idea, or act, you criticize them strongly. □ [V n] He publicly attacked the people who've been calling for secret ballot nominations. □ [V n + for ] A newspaper ran an editorial attacking him for being a showman. [Also V n as n/adj] ● N‑VAR Attack is also a noun. □ The role of the state as a prime mover in planning social change has been under attack. □ [+ on ] The committee yesterday launched a scathing attack on British business for failing to invest.
3 VERB If something such as a disease, a chemical, or an insect attacks something, it harms or spoils it. □ [V n] The virus seems to have attacked his throat. □ [be V -ed] Several key crops failed when they were attacked by pests. ● N‑UNCOUNT Attack is also a noun. □ [+ from ] This greatly reduces attacks from pests and diseases.