Pearl Harbor
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To attack by surprise; to subject to a sneak attack.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
The first and second ships had been successfully Pearl Harbored. The third was not to be surprised. As we approached, she dropped her net and fled. We pursued.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To take rudely by surprise.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “Pearl Harbor” mean?
To attack by surprise; to subject to a sneak attack.
Is “Pearl Harbor” formal or informal?
Pearl Harbor is generally slang.