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Assail: meaning, definitions and examples

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assail

 

[ əˈseɪl ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

attack

1. To make a concerted or violent attack on. 2. To attack with arguments, questions, or doubts. 3. To trouble or afflict in a manner that is hard to bear. 4. To assail someone with questions. 5. To assail an enemy with artillery fire.

Synonyms

assault, attack, beset, besiege, harass

Examples of usage

  • The troops were assailed on all sides by the enemy forces.
  • She was assailed by doubts about her decision.
  • The village was assailed by a severe storm.
  • He was assailed with questions during the press conference.
  • The castle was assailed by the enemy's cannons.

Translations

Translations of the word "assail" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atacar

🇮🇳 हमला करना

🇩🇪 angreifen

🇮🇩 menyerang

🇺🇦 атакувати

🇵🇱 atakować

🇯🇵 攻撃する (こうげきする)

🇫🇷 attaquer

🇪🇸 atacar

🇹🇷 saldırmak

🇰🇷 공격하다

🇸🇦 يهاجم

🇨🇿 útočit

🇸🇰 útočiť

🇨🇳 攻击 (gōngjī)

🇸🇮 napasti

🇮🇸 ráðast á

🇰🇿 шабуылдау

🇬🇪 შეტევა

🇦🇿 hücum etmək

🇲🇽 atacar

Word origin

The word 'assail' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French term 'assaillir' which means 'to leap upon, assail'. The Old French word itself can be traced back to the Latin word 'assilīre', from 'ad-' (towards) and 'salīre' (to jump). The word has evolved over time to its current usage in English, where it typically refers to a violent attack or a strong verbal criticism.

See also: assailable, assailant, assailing, assault, unassailable.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,185, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.