Assault

Definition

Assault is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a physical attack or a threat of violence against another person. As a verb, it means to carry out a violent physical or verbal attack on someone or something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈsɔlt/
• Respelling: uh-SAWLT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈsɔːlt/
• Respelling: uh-SAWLT

The pronunciation of "assault" is similar in both American and British English, with minor differences in vowel sounds.

Etymology

The word "assault" originates from the Latin word "assultare," meaning "to leap upon," which evolved through Old French as "asaut," meaning "attack" or "assault." It entered Middle English with the meaning of a violent attack or attempt to cause harm.

Derivatives

• Assaulted (verb)
• Assaulting (verb)
• Assaulter (noun)
• Assaultive (adjective)
• Assaultive behavior (phrase)

Synonyms

• Attack
• Strike
• Offense

Antonyms

• Defense
• Protection
• Guard

Usage

The term "assault" is often used in legal, military, and general contexts to describe physical or verbal attacks. For example, "He was charged with assault," or "The assault on the fortress lasted for hours." It commonly refers to both physical violence and military offenses.

Related Terms

• Battery: The act of physically striking or harming another person.
• Attack: An aggressive action against someone or something.
• Conflict: A struggle or clash between opposing forces.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A physical or verbal attack: Refers to an aggressive action intended to harm or intimidate.
  • Example: "The victim reported an assault to the authorities."
• An unlawful attempt to cause harm: Used in legal contexts to describe the act of threatening or attempting physical harm.
  • Example: "He was found guilty of assault and sentenced to community service."

Verb

• To carry out a violent attack: Describes the act of physically or verbally attacking someone or something.
  • Example: "The intruder assaulted the homeowner."