What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
assailant
Example
The brave woman fought off her assailant and managed to escape. [assailant: noun]
Example
The victim identified the assailant in a police lineup. [assailant: noun]
attacker
Example
The security guard apprehended the attacker before they could harm anyone. [attacker: noun]
Example
The victim bravely defended themselves against the attacker. [attacker: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Attacker is more commonly used than assailant in everyday language. Attacker is a widely recognized term that can be used in various contexts, while assailant is less common and often used in legal or formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between assailant and attacker?
While attacker can be used in both formal and informal contexts, assailant is typically associated with a more formal tone and is commonly used in legal proceedings or criminal cases.
