Assault

n. [O. Fr. assault, asalt, N. Fr. assaut, Pr. assalh, assaut, It. & Pg. assalto, Sp. asalto, L. Lat. assaltus, from Lat. ad and saltus, a leaping, springing. See ASSAIL.]

1Sense 1. A violent onset or attack with physical means, as blows, weapons, &c.; as, to make an assault upon a man, a house, or a town.

The Spanish general prepared to renew the assault. Prescott.

2Sense 2. A violent onset or attack with moral means, as words, arguments, appeals, and the like; as, to make an assault on the prerogatives of a prince, or on the constitution of a government. Clarendon.

3Sense 3. (Law.) An unlawful setting upon one's person; an attempt or offer to beat another, accompanied by a degree of violence, but without touching his person, as by lifting the fist, or a cane, in a threatening manner, or by striking at him, and missing him. If the blow aimed takes effect, it is a battery. Blackstone.

Synonyms—Attack; invasion; incursion; descent; onset; onslaught; charge; storm.

[imp. & p. p. ASSAULTED; p. pr. & vb. n. ASSAULTING.] [O. Fr. assaulter, L. Lat. assaltare. See supra.]

1Sense 1. To make an assault upon; to attack with great physical violence.

Insnared, assaulted, overcome, led bound. Milton.

2Sense 2. To attack with moral means, or with a view of producing moral effects; to attack by words, arguments, or unfriendly measures; as, to assault a reputation or an administration.

☞ In the latter sense, assail is more common.

Synonyms—To attack; assail; invade; encounter; storm; charge. See ATTACK.