First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1assault
noun as·sault \ə-ˈsȯlt\
law : the crime of trying or threatening to hurt someone physically
: a violent physical attack
: a military attack
Full Definition of ASSAULT
1
a : a violent physical or verbal attack b : a military attack usually involving direct combat with enemy forces c : a concerted effort (as to reach a goal or defeat an adversary)
2
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Origin of ASSAULT
Middle English assaut, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *assaltus, from assalire
Related to ASSAULT
- Synonyms
- rape, ravishment, sexual assault, violation
Rhymes with ASSAULT
2assault
verb
: to violently attack (someone or something)
Full Definition of ASSAULT
transitive verb
1
: to make an assault on
2
: rape 2
intransitive verb
: to make an assault
— as·sault·er noun
See assault defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ASSAULT
15th century
Synonym Discussion of ASSAULT
attack, assail, assault, bombard, storm mean to make an onslaught upon. attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle <plan to attack the town at dawn>. assail implies attempting to break down resistance by repeated blows or shots <assailed the enemy with artillery fire>. assault suggests a direct attempt to overpower by suddenness and violence of onslaught <commandos assaulted the building from all sides>. bombard applies to attacking with bombs or shells <bombarded the city nightly>. storm implies attempting to break into a defended position <preparing to storm the fortress>.
Other Legal Terms
ASSAULT Defined for Kids
1assault
noun as·sault \ə-ˈsȯlt\
Definition of ASSAULT for Kids
1
: a violent or sudden attack <a military assault on the castle> <“… this is assault,” Mr. Eberhardt said. “You can't choke another person.” — Carl Hiaasen, Hoot>
2
: an unlawful attempt or threat to harm someone
2assault
verb
as·sault·edas·sault·ing
Definition of ASSAULT for Kids
: to violently attack <Enemy forces assaulted the city.>
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