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Assailing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘Š
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assailing

[ษ™หˆseษชlษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a negative way

To make a concentrated attack on someone or something, either physically or verbally.

Synonyms

assault, attack, beset, besiege.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
assailing

Used in a formal or literary context to describe a vigorous or violent attack, typically against an idea or position more than a physical attack.

  • The politician found herself assailed by critics from all sides
  • The castle was assailed by waves of enemies
attack

A general term that can be used to describe a wide range of aggressive actions, both physical and verbal, against someone or something.

  • The cyber attack compromised personal data of thousands
  • The dog suddenly attacked the mailman
assault

Commonly used in legal contexts or to describe physical attacks. Often has a serious, violent connotation.

  • He was arrested for assault after the bar fight
  • The report detailed a series of assaults on civilians
beset

Commonly used to describe being troubled or harassed by problems or difficulties. Less often used to describe physical attacks.

  • The expedition was beset by numerous challenges
  • She felt beset by worries and doubts
besiege

Typically used in a historical or military context to describe surrounding a place to capture it, or figuratively to describe overwhelming someone with requests or questions.

  • The army besieged the fortress for months
  • She was besieged by reporters after the announcement

Examples of usage

  • He was assailing his opponent with harsh words.
  • The army was assailing the enemy's position.
  • She felt like the problems were assailing her from all sides.
Context #2 | Verb

in a positive way

To approach or address someone aggressively or energetically, often in pursuit of a goal or objective.

Synonyms

address, approach, pursue, tackle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
assailing

Used when describing an attack, either physical or verbal. It often has a negative connotation and suggests aggression.

  • The politician was assailed by the media for his controversial comments.
  • Their village was assailed by invaders at dawn.
approach

Suitable for describing the action of coming near or closer to something or someone, either physically or in terms of dealing with an issue. It can be less formal than 'address'.

  • She decided to approach the subject with caution.
  • Let's find a new approach to solve this problem.
address

Used when speaking about dealing with or solving a problem or situation directly. It often implies a formal or structured approach.

  • We need to address the lack of resources in our community.
  • The company will address all customer complaints in a timely manner.
pursue

Used to describe the act of following or chasing after someone or something, often with the goal of achieving it. It implies ongoing effort.

  • He decided to pursue a career in medicine.
  • The detective pursued the suspect through the narrow streets.
tackle

Appropriate for describing the action of dealing with, confronting, or working to solve a problem energetically. It can be used in both informal and formal contexts.

  • We need to tackle climate change before it's too late.
  • She tackled her homework right after dinner.

Examples of usage

  • The salesperson was assailing potential clients with enthusiasm.
  • She assailed the task with determination and vigor.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'assailing'

The word 'assailing' comes from Middle English 'assailen', from Old French 'assaillir', from Latin 'assilฤซre', meaning 'to leap upon, attack'. It has been in use since the 14th century.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,180, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.