Definition of Assault. Meaning of Assault. Synonyms of Assault
Here you will find one or more explanations in English for the word Assault.
Also in the bottom left of the page several parts of wikipedia pages related to the word Assault and, of course, Assault synonyms and on the right images related to the word Assault.
Definition of Assault
Assault Assault As*sault", n. [OE. asaut, assaut, OF. assaut, asalt,
F. assaut, LL. assaltus; L. ad + saltus a leaping, a
springing, salire to leap. See Assail.]
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.
The Spanish general prepared to renew the assault.
--Prescott.
Unshaken bears the assault Of their most dreaded
foe, the strong southwest. --Wordsworth.
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. --Clarendon.
3. (Law) An apparently violent attempt, or willful offer with
force or violence, to do hurt to another; an attempt or
offer to beat another, accompanied by a degree of
violence, but without touching his person, as by lifting
the fist, or a cane, in a threatening manner, or by
striking at him, and missing him. If the blow aimed takes
effect, it is a battery. --Blackstone. Wharton.
Practically, however, the word assault is used to
include the battery. --Mozley & W.
Syn: Attack; invasion; incursion; descent; onset; onslaught;
charge; storm.
Assault Assault As*sault", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Assaulted; p. pr. &
vb. n. Assaulting.] [From Assault, n.: cf. OF. assaulter,
LL. assaltare.]
1. To make an assault upon, as by a sudden rush of armed men;
to attack with unlawful or insulting physical violence or
menaces.
Insnared, assaulted, overcome, led bound. --Milton.
2. To attack with moral means, or with a view of producing
moral effects; to attack by words, arguments, or
unfriendly measures; to assail; as, to assault a
reputation or an administration.
Before the gates, the cries of babes newborn, . . .
Assault his ears. --Dryden.
Note: In the latter sense, assail is more common.
Syn: To attack; assail; invade; encounter; storm; charge. See
Attack.
