attack dog

noun

1. a dog trained to attack on command, as for protection or to aid in the apprehension of criminals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of attack dog¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Whichever persona he assumes, attack dog or affable colleague, the lies are the one consistent feature of his speeches.

From Salon

Instead, he focuses on being “an attack dog.”

From Los Angeles Times

An attack dog from the moment he was picked as Trump’s No. 2, recently seen making up racist stories about Haitian immigrants and canine cuisine, Vance was suddenly all charm and civility.

From Los Angeles Times

Newsom also acted as an attack dog for Biden at the GOP presidential debate last year and deflected criticism of Biden’s troubling performance after the president’s debate against Trump in June.

From Los Angeles Times

While Donald Trump has been prevented by Judge Juan Merchan from going after witnesses and jurors in his hush money trial, the former president’s Republican allies have become his attack dogs.

From Salon