VocabDictionary

heart attack

/ˈhɑːrt əˌtæk/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A sudden and sometimes fatal occurrence of coronary thrombosis, typically resulting in the death of part of a heart muscle due to inadequate blood flow.

Example Sentences:
  • He was rushed to the hospital after experiencing severe chest pains characteristic of a heart attack.
  • Making healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the risk of suffering a heart attack.
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Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “heart attack”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The term combines 'heart' (from Old English 'heorte', denoting the vital organ of the body) and 'attack' (derived from the Italian 'attaccare', meaning to attach or begin hostilities, later evolving to mean a sudden onset of disease or affliction). While descriptions of cardiac symptoms date back to ancient medical texts, the specific colloquial and medical phrase 'heart attack' gained widespread currency in the 20th century alongside the rise of modern cardiology.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of it as an 'attack' happening directly on the 'heart', cutting off its vital supply.

Frequently Asked Questions About “heart attack

1. What is the meaning of “heart attack” in English?

In English, heart attack (noun) is defined as: “A sudden and sometimes fatal occurrence of coronary thrombosis, typically resulting in the death of part of a heart muscle due to inadequate blood flow.”.

2. How do you use “heart attack” in a sentence?

He was rushed to the hospital after experiencing severe chest pains characteristic of a heart attack.

3. What are English synonyms of “heart attack”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “heart attack”?

The term combines 'heart' (from Old English 'heorte', denoting the vital organ of the body) and 'attack' (derived from the Italian 'attaccare', meaning to attach or begin hostilities, later evolving to mean a sudden onset of disease or affliction). While descriptions of cardiac symptoms date back to ancient medical texts, the specific colloquial and medical phrase 'heart attack' gained widespread currency in the 20th century alongside the rise of modern cardiology.