assault and battery
The combination of two violent crimes: assault (the threat of violence) and battery (physical violence). This legal distinction exists only in jurisdictions that distinguish assault as threatened violence rather than actual violence.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The man faces charges of assault and battery after the fight.”
“The police arrested the suspect for assault and battery after he threatened and then hit his neighbor.”
“Following the violent altercation at the stadium, the prosecutor filed formal charges of assault and battery against the individuals involved in the brawl.”
- 01
change one's battery
To alter the direction of attacking; to take a new approach to try to achieve an objective.
- 02
put batteries in someone's back
To enable, encourage, or incite, especially in order to do one's bidding; to fuel or spur.
- 03
unmask one's batteries
To begin a decisive action, especially one that reveals one’s true strength or character.
Last updated August 10, 2026