assail

[əˈseɪl]

assail Definition

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

• attack
• assault
• storm
• beset
• set upon

Antonyms for assail

• defend
• protect

Phrases with assail

• assail with questions

  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.

• assail the ear

  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.'