επιτίθεμαι
Lemma: επιτίθεμαι
Translation: to attack; to assault; to set upon (verb)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek ἐπιτίθημι (epitithēmi), from ἐπί (epi, 'upon') + τίθημι (tithēmi, 'to place, put')
Mnemonics
- Think of 'epi-' (upon) + 'thesis' (placing) = placing oneself upon someone else in attack
- Remember 'epithet' in English, which is like a verbal attack
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in both literal physical contexts and metaphorical situations, such as sports commentary or political discourse
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both are deponent verbs (-ούμαι ending), επιτίθεμαι means 'to attack' while παραιτούμαι means 'to resign'
Confused word:
Ο υπουργός παραιτήθηκε.
The minister resigned.
Notes: Both are commonly used in news contexts but in very different situations
Mnemonic: επιτίθεμαι has 'επι-' (upon) suggesting forceful action, while παραιτούμαι has 'παρα-' (aside) suggesting stepping away