Assailed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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assailed
[əˈseɪld ]
Definition
attack, criticize
Assailed is the past tense of 'assail', which means to attack someone violently or to criticize someone strongly. This term can refer to both physical attacks and verbal onslaughts, making it a versatile descriptor for various forms of aggression. In a historical context, it often denotes significant confrontations or battles, but in modern usage, it can describe anything from personal disputes to public criticism. Assailing someone can leave a lasting impression and often signifies a serious disagreement or challenge.
Synonyms
assaulted, attacked, bombarded, criticized.
Examples of usage
- The soldier was assailed by enemy forces at dawn.
- The writer was assailed by critics for her controversial views.
- He assailed the assumptions about his abilities with strong arguments.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- The term is often used in poetry and prose to express overwhelming feelings or conflicts, such as in battles or emotional struggles.
- Writers like Shakespeare have used variations of the word to describe intense confrontations or emotional turmoil among characters.
- In modern literature, it often describes psychological conflicts, where characters feel 'assailed' by doubts or fears.
Psychology
- Feeling assailed can be linked to anxiety, where an individual feels overwhelmed by difficulties or pressures.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy often helps individuals deal with thoughts that may assail their peace of mind.
- Research indicates that constant feelings of being assailed can lead to stress and affect one's mental health negatively.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters often feel assailed during climactic moments, facing overwhelming odds.
- Music lyrics frequently use 'assailed' to describe emotions of love, loss, or betrayal, illustrating intense feelings.
- Video game narratives often portray heroes who are assailed by enemies, enriching the storyline and creating tension.
History
- Throughout history, 'assailed' has been used in military contexts, describing attacks on cities or armies in battle.
- During various revolutions, leaders often expressed feelings of being assailed by both external forces and internal dissent.
- In legal contexts, the concept of being assailed can refer to challenges or attacks on one’s rights or character.
Origin of 'assailed'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'assailed' comes from the Old French word 'assaillir', which means 'to attack' or 'to come upon'.
- It has roots in the Latin word 'assalire', which means 'to jump at' or 'to leap upon'.
- The prefix 'as-' means 'to' or 'toward', which suggests a sense of direction in the attack.
The word 'assail' originates from the Latin verb 'assailare', which combines 'ad-' meaning 'to, toward' and 'salire' meaning 'to leap'. This compound formation indicates the sense of 'leaping toward' someone or something to attack or criticize. 'Assail' has passed through Old French as 'assaillir', before entering the English language in the late 14th century. Historically, it has been used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, signifying both physical confrontations, such as in battles and duels, and verbal attacks, like public disputes or critiques. The term has retained its weighty connotation throughout its evolution, remaining a powerful term to describe forms of aggression in contemporary usage.