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
Phrases with assail
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.
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)
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.'