Usage Note
Attaquer is used literally (to attack a person or place) and figuratively (attaquer un problème, to tackle a problem; attaquer un repas, to dig into a meal). The reflexive s'attaquer à means to take on a challenge or opponent. The noun attaque (attack) and attaquant (attacker, forward in sports) are common derivatives.
Examples
"L'équipe adverse a attaqué très tôt."
Natural Translation
The opposing team attacked very early.
Literal Translation
The team adverse has attacked very early

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