assault
From WikiWord, the free dictionary
/əˈsɔːlt/
English
Definitions
noun
- A violent onset or attack with physical means, for example blows, weapons, etc.“to make assault upon a man, a house, or a town”
- A violent onset or attack with moral weapons, for example words, arguments, appeals, and the like“to make an assault on the prerogatives of a prince, or on the constitution of a government”
- 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.
- The crime whose action is such an attempt.
verb
- To attack, physically or figuratively.“Loud music assaulted our ears as we entered the building.”
- To threaten or harass.
Related words
Synonyms
onfallonrushassailattackset onassault and batterylash outrapeviolationoffensiveravishmentsexual assaultroundbatterysnipeaggressorattackingaggression