English Dictionary
Definition of “assail”
assail (əˈseɪl
)
Definitions
verb (tr)
- to attack violently; assault
- to criticize or ridicule vehemently, as in argument
- to beset or disturb ⇒
his mind was assailed by doubts
- to encounter with the intention of mastering ⇒
to assail a problem
to assail a difficult mountain ridge
Alternative Forms
asˈsailable adjective asˈsailer noun asˈsailment noun Word Origin
C13: from Old French asalir, from Vulgar Latin assalīre (unattested) to leap upon, from Latin assilīre, from salīre to leap
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
criticize,
abuse,
blast,
flame,
put down,
malign,
berate,
revile,
vilify,
tear into,
diss,
impugn,
go for the jugular,
lambast(e)=
attack,
charge,
assault,
invade,
set about,
beset,
fall upon,
set upon,
lay into,
maltreat,
belabour,
=
plague,
trouble,
pain,
harry,
bother,
disturb,
torture,
haunt,
annoy,
tease,
torment,
harass,
hassle,
afflict,
badger,
persecute,
molest,
pester,
vex,
bedevil,
give someone grief
Usage examples
If we make no answer, the Enemy may move Men of his rule to assail King Brand, and Din also.
J.R.R. Tolkien, THE LORD OF THE RINGS (2004)An unhealthy alliance of chemicals may assail office workers
New Scientist (1998)Kerry's campaign is running several state-specific spots that assail the president, though.
canada.com (2004)Motoring programmes may rarely make it onto the main channels but adverts constantly assail us.
Glasgow Herald (2002)She must now expect all the shafts of ENVY to assail her, and arm herself against them accordingly').
Paula Byrne, PERDITA: The Life of Mary Robinson (2004)
