at-ten-shun
English
[edit]Alternative forms
[edit]Etymology
[edit]Respelling of attention to show the stress pattern.
Interjection
[edit]- (US, military) Used to bring a marching band or group of soldiers to attention.
- 1906, Joseph Edgar Crowell, The Young Volunteer: The Everyday Experiences of a Soldier Boy in the Civil War[1]:
- "At-ten-shun !" commanded he, with that peculiar inflexion only attainable after considerable service.
- 2003, “Family Fare”, in The New York Times[2]:
- At-ten-SHUN! ¶ The United States Marine Corps wants your children.