Assault Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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assault
[ษหsษหlt ]
Definitions
legal
The act of physically attacking someone with the intention of causing harm, often resulting in legal consequences.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| assault |
Used in a legal context or when describing a physical or verbal attack that involves the intent to harm or threaten.
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| attack |
A general term for an aggressive or violent action against something or someone; this can be physical, verbal, or cyber-related.
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| battery |
Primarily used in a legal context to describe the actual intentional striking or contact of one person by another; often paired with 'assault'.
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| aggression |
Describes hostile or violent behavior or attitudes, generally used in broader contexts like war, sports, or personal interactions.
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Examples of usage
- He was charged with assault after hitting a pedestrian with his car.
- The victim suffered multiple injuries as a result of the assault.
military
To make a physical attack on someone or something, usually with the intention of capturing or taking control.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| assault |
This term is often used in legal and military contexts to describe a violent physical or verbal attack. It generally implies severe aggression and can have a negative connotation.
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| attack |
This is a broad term that can refer to any aggressive action, whether physical, verbal, or written. It is not limited to legal or military use and can be applied in everyday situations.
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| strike |
This term is used for precise and often planned attacks, especially in military and industrial contexts. It can also refer to workers stopping work as a form of protest, but that is a different context.
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| raid |
Use 'raid' when describing a sudden, surprise attack, often carried out by a small group. It is commonly used in military, police, or criminal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The enemy forces attempted to assault the fortress under the cover of darkness.
- The soldiers were ordered to assault the enemy position.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'assault'
The word 'assault' originated from the Latin word 'assultare', which means 'to leap upon'. It was first used in the 13th century to refer to a violent physical attack. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various forms of aggression, both physical and verbal. The legal definition of assault has been refined through judicial interpretation and legislation to address different degrees of intent and harm. In military contexts, assault refers to a tactical operation involving an attack on enemy positions. The word 'assault' carries connotations of aggression and forceful action.
See also: assail, assailable, assailant, assailing, unassailable.