1. to attack someone or something violently or forcefully
2. to criticize someone or something harshly and persistently
3. to trouble or disturb someone persistently

Examples

• The enemy forces assailed the fortress at dawn.
• Critics assailed the politician’s new policy proposal.
• Doubts began to assail her as the deadline approached.
• The protesters assailed the building with rocks and bottles.
• Memories of the accident continued to assail him.
• The editorial assailed the mayor’s handling of the crisis.
• Strong winds assailed the small boat throughout the night.