The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DIATRIBE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
D
I
A
T
R
I
B
E
More clues leading to the result DIATRIBE
- A Brit demolished in cast’s denunciation
- Assist rising clan in forceful attack
- Tirade sent up charity race
- Bitter speech from US prosecutor about island breed
- Helper seen around people following violent attack
- Kid arrested by inspector put away for attack
- Return help before the race — and get a stream of abuse!
- Admiral regularly getting family abuse
- Attack community undermining foreign aid
- Excellent! Former BBC man is coming back in to finish rant
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "forceful attack" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case forceful attack = diatribe.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DIATRIBE mean?
DIATRIBE noun- An abusive, bitter, attack or criticism: denunciation.
- A prolonged discourse.
- A speech or writing which bitterly denounces something.