close fighting during the culmination of a military attack
"After days of artillery bombardment, the infantry finally engaged in the fierce ground assault to capture the hilltop fortress."
a threatened or attempted physical attack by someone who appears to be able to cause bodily harm if not stopped
"The security guard had to intervene when the drunk patron began shoving and threatening to punch another customer."
thoroughbred that won the triple crown in 1946
"The horse Assault was a legendary thoroughbred that won the Triple Crown in 1946 before retiring to stud."
the crime of forcing a person to submit to sexual intercourse against his or her will
"The jury heard testimony that he was charged with assault after allegedly trying to force himself on the victim."
A violent onset or attack with physical means, for example blows, weapons, etc.
"The security guard intervened just before the intruder could launch a brutal assault on the sleeping family."
In plain English: Assault is when someone threatens to hurt you or acts aggressively toward you in a way that makes you feel unsafe.
"The police responded quickly to the assault on the downtown street."
Usage: As a noun, assault refers specifically to a violent physical attack using force or weapons against a person. It is often used in legal contexts to describe an attempt to harm someone, even if no actual injury occurs.
To attack, physically or figuratively; to assail.
"The sudden storm assault on our coastal town left many homes without power for days."
In plain English: To assault someone means to attack or threaten them with violence.
"The storm assault the coast with massive waves that threatened to destroy the houses."
Usage: Use assault to describe any direct act of violence or aggression against someone's body or dignity, whether physical like a punch or verbal like a harsh insult. It implies an immediate and hostile action rather than a planned scheme or long-term harassment.
The word assault entered English in the Middle Ages via Old French and originally referred to a military attack involving jumping at or charging toward an enemy. Its spelling was later adjusted in the early 16th century by adding an 'l' to align it with its Latin roots, which combine "at" and "to jump."