Assail

Quick meaning: Assail is a verb meaning (transitive, sometimes figurative) To attack with harsh words or violent force.

Meaning

(transitive, sometimes figurative) To attack with harsh words or violent force.

More Meanings

1. (transitive, figurative) To overcome or successfully argue against; defeat.

Example Sentences

Muggers assailed them as they entered an alley.

Our ears were assailed by her joyous efforts on her new saxophone.

[L]et us once again assail your ears, / That are so fortified against our story, / What we two nights have seen.

With greedy force he gan the fort assayle, / Whereof he weend possesse soone to bee, / And win rich spoile of ransackt chastitee.

Word Forms

• assails
• assailing
• assailed

Synonyms for assail

Depending on context, synonyms include barrage, assault, snipe, round, attack.

Antonyms for assail

Common opposites include defend.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include assault, attack, round, snipe, berate, lambaste.

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