Assaulting: meaning, definitions and examples

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assaulting

[əˈsɔːltɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

criminal behavior

To make a physical attack on someone, typically with the intention of causing harm.

Synonyms

attack, hit, strike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
assaulting	Used in legal or formal contexts to describe physical violence or a serious attempt to harm someone physically. It often carries a negative connotation and implies a criminal act. The suspect was charged with assaulting a police officer She was scared of him assaulting her again
attack	Can be used in both physical and non-physical contexts to describe aggressive actions. It can refer to violence, criticism, or even an illness striking someone. The city was attacked by enemy forces She felt personally attacked by the comments
hit	Generally refers to a physical blow with an object or body part, but can also be used metaphorically to indicate a sudden impact in various situations. He hit the ball out of the park The news of his resignation hit the company hard
strike	Can be used to describe a deliberate strong hit, often in contexts like sports or conflicts. Also used in non-physical contexts like strikes in labor disputes or natural disasters. The boxer struck his opponent with a powerful punch Workers decided to strike for better wages

Examples of usage

He was charged with assaulting a police officer.
She was assaulted on her way home from work.
The gang assaulted the victim with knives.
The suspect was caught assaulting a bystander.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

legal context

To make a physical attack on someone with the intention of causing harm, especially in a legal setting.

Synonyms

aggravated assault, battery, mug.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
assaulting	Used in general contexts where someone is physically attacking or threatening another person. He was charged with assaulting a police officer. The victim reported the man for assaulting her.
aggravated assault	Used in legal contexts to describe a more severe type of assault that includes factors like using a weapon or causing serious injury. The defendant is facing charges of aggravated assault. Aggravated assault can result in a longer prison sentence.
battery	Legally refers specifically to the act of physically hitting or hurting someone without their consent. He was found guilty of battery after hitting his neighbor. Battery charges were filed against the suspect.
mug	Used to describe an attack or assault that involves robbing someone, typically on the street. She was mugged while walking home from work. The police arrested a man who tried to mug a passerby.

Examples of usage

The defendant was accused of assaulting the plaintiff in the courtroom.
He was found guilty of assaulting his neighbor.
The law prohibits assaulting a healthcare worker.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

crime

A physical attack on someone with the intention of causing harm.

Synonyms

aggression, attack, battery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
assaulting	Generally used to describe the act of physically attacking someone, often implying a violent or ferocious behavior. This word has a legal connotation and a negative implication. He was arrested for assaulting a police officer. The suspect is accused of assaulting several people in the park.
attack	A general term that can be used to describe the act of trying to harm someone physically or through other means. It’s more versatile and can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. The dog suddenly attacked the child. The hacker launched an attack on the company’s servers.
battery	A legal term that specifically refers to the unlawful physical act of contact or use of force against another person, often leading to criminal charges. It’s closely related to 'assaulting' but emphasizes the physical contact aspect. He was charged with battery after punching the man. Battery of a minor is considered a serious offense.
aggression	Used to describe hostile or violent behavior or attitudes. This term can refer to both physical acts and emotional hostility. It’s often used in broader contexts, such as to describe actions by nations or individuals. His aggression towards his coworkers was noticeable. The country’s military aggression has caused international concern.

Examples of usage

She reported the assault to the authorities.
The victim suffered severe injuries in the assault.
Assault is considered a serious crime.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

In law, 'assault' can refer to the threat of harm or actual violence against another person.
Assault is often categorized into degrees, with 'aggravated assault' being a more serious offense due to factors like the use of a weapon.
Penalties for assaulting someone can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the act.

Psychology

Studies show that witnessing or experiencing assault can lead to long-term psychological effects, such as PTSD.
Victims of assault may feel heightened anxiety or fear in environments reminiscent of the event.
Understanding the mindset and behavior of individuals who assault can contribute to developing effective prevention strategies.

Cultural Representation

Assault and violence appear frequently in movies and literature, often reflecting societal issues.
Songs and art sometimes address themes of assault to raise awareness and prompt discussions about consent and violence.
Public interest in high-profile assault cases can impact social movements, sparking calls for justice and reform.

Preventive Measures

Many communities offer self-defense classes to empower individuals and reduce the chances of assault.
Educational programs in schools aim to teach children about personal safety and the importance of consent.
Bystander intervention training encourages people to safely intervene when they witness potential assault situations.

Statistics

According to government reports, a significant percentage of assaults go unreported, highlighting issues in societal trust.
Certain demographics, particularly young adults in urban areas, are statistically more vulnerable to assault.
Research shows that substance abuse can be a contributing factor in many assault cases.

Translations

Translations of the word "assaulting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 agressão

🇮🇳 हमला करना

🇩🇪 Angriff

🇮🇩 penyerangan

🇺🇦 напад

🇵🇱 atakowanie

🇯🇵 攻撃

🇫🇷 agression

🇪🇸 agresión

🇹🇷 saldırı

🇰🇷 공격

🇸🇦 اعتداء

🇨🇿 napadení

🇸🇰 útok

🇨🇳 攻击

🇸🇮 napad

🇮🇸 árás

🇰🇿 шабуыл

🇬🇪 შეტევა

🇦🇿 hücum

🇲🇽 agresión

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,838, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
21835 insipid
21836 calumny
21837 reciprocally
21838 assaulting
21839 snort
21840 reallocation
21841 busted
...