# assault

/əˈsɔɫt/ (US) · /ɐsˈɒlt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/assault
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. physical attack

noun · CEFR B2

a violent physical attack on a person.

For teachers: a physical attack or onset of violence against a person.

- The man was arrested following a violent assault in the city centre.
- The victim suffered minor injuries during the unprovoked assault, which occurred in broad daylight near the train station.

### 2. legal threat of harm

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Formal

the crime of making someone feel they are about to be physically hurt.

For teachers: an act that causes a person to apprehend imminent bodily harm; often distinguished from 'battery', which requires physical contact.

- He was charged with assault after pointing a loaded gun at the guard.
- In many jurisdictions, the mere gesture of raising a fist can constitute assault if the victim reasonably fears immediate violence.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'assault and battery'.

Teaching tip: In everyday English, people use 'assault' to mean hitting someone. In law, 'assault' is the threat, and 'battery' is the actual hitting.

### 3. verbal or mental attack

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a strong verbal attack using insults or very harsh criticism.

For teachers: a metaphorical or figurative attack, typically involving severe criticism or an overwhelming sensory experience.

- The loud music was a constant assault on our ears.
- The politician faced a fierce verbal assault from the press regarding the recent budget cuts.

### 4. to attack

verb · CEFR B2

to attack someone violently.

For teachers: to make a physical or figurative attack upon someone or something.

- The soldiers were ordered to assault the enemy base at dawn.
- The protesters attempted to assault the gates of the embassy before being pushed back by security forces.

Usage: This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

## Examples

- The man was arrested for assault after the fight.
- The victim reported the assault to the police immediately after the incident occurred in the park.
- The prosecution argued that the defendant's aggressive posturing and verbal threats constituted a clear case of assault, even though no physical blows were actually landed during the confrontation.

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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.