Assault

Pronunciation

• IPA: /əˈsɔːlt/

Origin

From Old French noun assaut, from the verb asaillir, from Latin assiliō, from ad ("towards") + saliō ("to jump"). See also assail.

Full definition of assault

Noun

1. A violent onset or attack with physical means, as blows, weapons, etc.; an onslaught; the rush or charge of an attacking force; onset; as, to make assault upon a man, a house, or a town.
• PrescottThe Spanish general prepared to renew the assault.
• ShakespeareUnshaken bears the assault
  Of their most dreaded foe, the strong southwest.
2. A violent onset or attack with moral weapons, as words, arguments, appeals, and the like; as, to make an assault on the prerogatives of a prince, or on the constitution of a government.
3. (criminal, legal) An attempt to commit battery: a violent attempt, or willful effort with force or violence, to do hurt to another, but without necessarily touching his person, as by lifting a fist in a threatening manner, or by striking at him and missing him.
4. (singulare tantum, legal) The crime whose action is such an attempt.
5. (tort legal) An act that causes someone to apprehend imminent bodily harm.
6. (singulare tantum, legal) The tort whose action is such an act.
7. (fencing) A non-competitive combat between two fencers.

Synonyms

• onfall

Derived terms

• antiassault
• assault and battery
• nonassault
• reassault

Coordinate terms

• battery

Verb

1. To attack, threaten or harass.