assault

1. 1

   A violent onset or attack with physical means, for example blows, weapons, etc.countableuncountable

   • The army made an assault on the enemy.
2. 2

   A violent verbal attack, for example with insults, criticism, and the likecountableuncountable

   • She launched a written assault on the opposition party.
3. 3

   An attempt to commit battery: a violent attempt, or willful effort with force or violence, to do hurt to another, but without necessarily touching the person, such as by raising a fist in a threatening manner, or by striking at the person and missing.countableuncountable

4. 4

   The crime whose action is such an attempt.countablesingularsingular-only

5. 5

   An act that causes someone to apprehend imminent bodily harm (such as brandishing a weapon).countableuncountable

6. 6

   The tort whose action is such an act.countablesingularsingular-only

7. 7

   A non-competitive combat between two fencers.countableuncountable

syn. onfall · onrush · aggression · assailment · assault · attack · attempt · offense · offensive · onset · onslaught · strike

ant. defense · defence

1. 1

   To attack, physically or figuratively; to assail.transitive

   • Tom was accused of assaulting another man outside a nightclub.
   • Loud music assaulted our ears as we entered the building.
2. 2

   To threaten or harass.transitive