assault
n. · v.-
1 physical attack (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea violent physical attack on a person.
a physical attack or onset of violence against a person.
ExampleThe man was arrested following a violent assault in the city centre.
ExampleThe victim suffered minor injuries during the unprovoked assault, which occurred in broad daylight near the train station.
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2 legal threat of harm (n.) C1 Advanced Technical Formal Lawthe crime of making someone feel they are about to be physically hurt.
an act that causes a person to apprehend imminent bodily harm; often distinguished from 'battery', which requires physical contact.
ExampleHe was charged with assault after pointing a loaded gun at the guard.
ExampleIn many jurisdictions, the mere gesture of raising a fist can constitute assault if the victim reasonably fears immediate violence.
UsageOften used in the phrase 'assault and battery'.
Teacher's tipIn everyday English, people use 'assault' to mean hitting someone. In law, 'assault' is the threat, and 'battery' is the actual hitting.
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3 verbal or mental attack (n.) C1 Advanced Literarya strong verbal attack using insults or very harsh criticism.
a metaphorical or figurative attack, typically involving severe criticism or an overwhelming sensory experience.
ExampleThe loud music was a constant assault on our ears.
ExampleThe politician faced a fierce verbal assault from the press regarding the recent budget cuts.
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4 to attack (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto attack someone violently.
to make a physical or figurative attack upon someone or something.
ExampleThe soldiers were ordered to assault the enemy base at dawn.
ExampleThe protesters attempted to assault the gates of the embassy before being pushed back by security forces.
UsageThis verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
From Middle English assaut, from Old French noun assaut, derived from the past participle of the verb assalir, from Late Latin assalīre, from Latin ad (“at, towards”) + salīre (“jump”). See also assail. Spelling Latinized around 1530 to add an l.