at-ten-shun

English

Alternative forms

• a-ten-shun

Etymology

Respelling of attention to show the stress pattern.

Interjection

at-ten-shun

1. (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.

Related terms

• ten-shun
• ten-hut