time attack

• time-attack

From time +‎ attack. The time-trial sense is a calque of Japanese タイムアタック (taimu atakku), itself from English.

time attack (plural time attacks)

1. An attack in which one may gain an advantage in time against one's opponent or rival.
   • 1891, Journal of the Royal United Service Institution, volume 35, page 364:

     It was a time attack; if my opponents did not get up to my position and were not able to drive me from that position by a certain time, I won the day.

2. (motor racing, video games) Synonym of time trial.

   Coordinate term: score attack

   • 2006, “Time Attack FAQ's”, in Time Attack - Official Website‎^[1], archived from the original on 12 September 2007:

     Starting off in Japan, Time Attack, Super Lap and Tuner Battles were organised by the media as a proving ground to see the difference between street tuned cars, produced by the tuning industries most respected tuners.

   • 2013, Matt Fox, The Video Games Guide:

     There are only eight levels but the varied game modes (including time attacks, survivals, team deathmatches, hunts, and sieges) in both single and multi-player keeps things interesting.