# smurf attack

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. A largely obsolete form of denial-of-service attack, involving broadcasting ICMP packets with the intended victim's IP address to a large computer network, causing the victim's computer to be overwhelmed by the response packets from the network.

## Etymology
In reference to the Smurf cartoon characters, suggesting a large number of small attackers overwhelming a larger opponent.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/smurf-attack