assail

[əˈseɪl]

assail Definition

  • 1make a concerted or violent attack on
  • 2criticize strongly

Using assail: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "assail" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The enemy army assailed the castle walls.

  • Example

    The politician was assailed by critics for his controversial remarks.

  • Example

    The company was assailed by negative reviews from customers.

assail Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for assail

Antonyms for assail

Phrases with assail

  • to ask someone a lot of questions in an aggressive or confrontational manner

    Example

    The reporter assailed the CEO with questions about the company's financial situation.

  • assail one's senses

    to overwhelm or assault one's senses, often in a negative way

    Example

    The pungent smell of the garbage assailed my senses as I walked down the street.

  • to produce a loud or unpleasant noise that is difficult to ignore

    Example

    The sound of the jackhammer assailed my ears as I tried to work.

Origins of assail

from Old French 'assaillir', from Vulgar Latin 'adsalire', from Latin 'ad-' (to) + 'salire' (to leap)

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Summary: assail in Brief

To 'assail' [əˈseɪl] means to make a violent or concerted attack on someone or something, or to criticize them strongly. It can also be used figuratively to describe being overwhelmed or bombarded by something, such as questions or unpleasant smells. Synonyms include 'attack,' 'assault,' and 'beset.' Antonyms include 'defend' and 'protect.'