# assailant

/əˈseɪɫənt/ (US) · /ɐsˈeɪlənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/assailant
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a person who physically attacks someone else. It is a formal word often used in news reports or by the police.

For teachers: a person who physically attacks another. Often used in legal or journalistic contexts to refer to the perpetrator of a violent act.

## Examples

- The victim managed to describe her assailant to the police.
- Witnesses reported seeing the assailant flee the scene on foot immediately after the robbery took place.
- The prosecution argued that the defendant was the primary assailant, citing forensic evidence that placed him at the scene during the struggle.

## Usage notes

- Typically used in formal or legal contexts rather than casual conversation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.