assault
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a violent physical attack on a person.
n.a physical attack or onset of violence against a person.
Simple“The man was arrested following a violent assault in the city centre.”
In context“The victim suffered minor injuries during the unprovoked assault, which occurred in broad daylight near the train station.”
Antonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.the crime of making someone feel they are about to be physically hurt.
n.an act that causes a person to apprehend imminent bodily harm; often distinguished from 'battery', which requires physical contact.
Simple“He was charged with assault after pointing a loaded gun at the guard.”
In context“In 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.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
n.a strong verbal attack using insults or very harsh criticism.
n.a metaphorical or figurative attack, typically involving severe criticism or an overwhelming sensory experience.
Simple“The loud music was a constant assault on our ears.”
In context“The politician faced a fierce verbal assault from the press regarding the recent budget cuts.”
Antonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to attack someone violently.
v.to make a physical or figurative attack upon someone or something.
Simple“The soldiers were ordered to assault the enemy base at dawn.”
In context“The 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.
Usage assault suspect · assault charges · assault with a weapon
“That 2019 book also revealed, in a chapter entitled It’s Never the Priest You Want to Kiss, that he had been sexually assaulted as a teenager by a Catholic priest.”
“Lewis said she was sexually assaulted by a WestJet pilot while on a layover in Hawaii in 2010 when she was 25 years old.”
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.