onset

• Nom désignant le début ou les premières phases de quelque chose, ou dans un contexte militaire, une attaque offensive contre l'ennemi.

A noun referring to the beginning or early stages of something, or in a military context, an offensive attack against an enemy.

1. Beginning or early stagesB2formal

   The start or initial phase of something, especially something unpleasant.

   début (d'une phase)

   • The onset of winter brought heavy snowfall.
   • She experienced the sudden onset of a severe headache.
   • The onset of the disease can be gradual.

   Synonymesadventbeginningbirthcommencementdawnfirst appearanceinceptioninitiationoutbreakstart

   Antonymescessationconclusionendtermination

2. Military attackC1formal

   An offensive assault or attack against an enemy.

   Assaut militaire

   • The army prepared for the onset of the enemy forces.
   • The onset was launched at dawn.
   • They successfully repelled the onset of the opposing troops.

   Synonymesassaultattackblitzchargeincursionoffensiveonslaughtraidstrike

   Antonymescounterattackdefenserepulseretreat