'attacco' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'attacco', derived from the verb 'attaccare' (to attack or to attach), ultimately from Medieval/ Late Latin roots where the prefix 'ad-' meant 'to' and a root related to fastening/striking expressed the basic sense.

'attacco' developed in Italian from Medieval Latin/Old French verbal forms such as 'attaccare'/'attaquer' (meaning to attack or to fasten) and became established in modern Italian as 'attacco'; the term was later borrowed into English in specialist musical and literary usage.

Initially it referred to fastening/attaching or to an act of attack; over time an extended meaning as the sudden beginning or onset (especially of sound or a musical phrase) became established in musical and technical contexts.