Assault

Quick meaning: Assault is a noun meaning A violent onset or attack with physical means, for example blows, weapons, etc.

Meaning

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

More Meanings

1. A violent verbal attack, for example with insults, criticism, and the like
2. (singular only, law) The crime whose action is such an attempt.
3. (tort law) An act that causes someone to apprehend imminent bodily harm (such as brandishing a weapon).
4. (singular only, law) The tort whose action is such an act.
5. (fencing) A non-competitive combat between two fencers.
6. (transitive) To attack, physically or figuratively; to assail.
7. (crime law) 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.

Example Sentences

The army made an assault on the enemy.

The Spanish general prepared to renew the assault.

She launched a written assault on the opposition party.

Loud music assaulted our ears as we entered the building.

Word Forms

• assaults
• assaulting
• assaulted

Synonyms for assault

Depending on context, synonyms include onfall, onrush, aggression, assailment, attack, attempt.

Antonyms for assault

Common opposites include defense, defence.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include assail, attack, rape, violation, offensive, ravishment.

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