Assail

usgb/əˈseɪl/
verb

To make a violent attack on.

The army assailed the fortress.
Visual representation of "assail" - to make a violent attack on

Often appears as...

  • assail a fortress
  • assail an enemy
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "assail"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical attack

Use 'assail' for describing aggressive physical confrontations.

Illustration for Physical attack
Knights assailed the castle walls with ladders and siege engines.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Strong action

'Assail' implies forceful action, often sudden and intense.

Illustration for Strong action
The storm assailed the coastline with fierce winds and rain.
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Not just physical

While 'assail' can mean a literal attack, it is also used metaphorically.

Illustration for Not just physical
She assailed the problem with a combination of research and creativity.
Visual representation of the word "Assail"

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