raid

Definition

A quick hostile or predatory incursion or invasion in a battle.

Etymology

From Scots raid, from Northern Middle English rade, from Old English rād (“a riding, an expedition on horseback, road”), whence also the inherited English road (“way, street”). The earlier senses of “a riding, expedition, raid” fell into disuse in Early Modern English, but were revived in the northern form raid by Walter Scott in the early 19th century. The use for a swift police operation appears in the later 19th century and may perhaps have been influenced by French razzia (similar in both original meaning and sound).

Example Sentences

• "Marauding chief! his sole delight / The moonlight raid, the morning fight."
• "There are permanent conquests, temporary occupation, and occasional raids."
• "a police raid of a narcotics factory"