1. a violent physical attack on someone
2. a strong verbal attack or criticism
3. the crime of threatening or attempting to hurt someone physically
Usage: legal

1. to make a violent physical attack on someone
2. to attack someone with words or criticism

Examples

• The victim was hospitalized after the brutal assault.
• He was charged with assault and battery.
• The politician faced an assault of criticism from the media.
• The gang assaulted the store owner during the robbery.
• She felt assaulted by the harsh comments about her work.
• The fortress withstood the enemy’s assault for three days.
• Police arrested the man for assaulting his neighbor.