Assailed: meaning, definitions and examples

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assailed

 

[əˈseɪld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "assailed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ataque

🇮🇳 हमला किया

🇩🇪 angegriffen

🇮🇩 diserang

🇺🇦 напав

🇵🇱 zaatakowany

🇯🇵 襲撃された

🇫🇷 attaqué

🇪🇸 asaltado

🇹🇷 saldırıya uğramış

🇰🇷 공격당한

🇸🇦 مهاجم

🇨🇿 napadený

🇸🇰 napadnutý

🇨🇳 袭击的

🇸🇮 napaden

🇮🇸 árás á

🇰🇿 шабуыл жасалған

🇬🇪 შეტევა

🇦🇿 hücum edilmiş

🇲🇽 asaltado

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,408, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.