assault

as-sault · noun, verb

imported

Definitions

noun, verb

  1. 1.

    A violent physical or verbal attack.

  2. 2.

    To make a physical attack on someone.

  3. 3.

    A military attack or offensive.

  4. 4.

    To attack or bombard (the senses).

  5. 5.

    A concerted effort to accomplish something difficult.

Forms

plural: assaults

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    assault and battery — the legal term for attacking and physically harming someone
  • •
    sexual assault — a sexual act committed without consent
  • •
    assault rifle — a rapid-fire military weapon

Related words

Antonyms: defense, protection, retreat
See also: assaulted, attack, battery
Synonyms: attack, offense, onslaught

Etymology

From Old French assaut, from Vulgar Latin adsaltus, from Latin ad- ("to") + saltus ("a leap").