Embush

/ɪmˈbʊʃ/ verb

Definition

To conceal or hide something in bushes or thick vegetation.

Etymology

From Middle English embushen, combining the prefix em- (meaning 'to put into') with bush. This word emerged in the 14th century as a variant of the more common 'ambush,' influenced by the literal meaning of hiding in bushes.

Kelly Says

This word is essentially a lost synonym for 'ambush' that fell out of favor because 'embush' and 'ambush' sounded too similar and meant the same thing, so English speakers gradually abandoned the em- version in favor of the am- version.

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