Words / B2

uh-SORLT/əˈsɔːlt/

An assault is a violent physical attack, or a strong verbal attack: an assault on a person, an assault on a policy. Attack is the everyday cover-all; mugging is a street robbery. Assault can be a legal term in British English (a criminal offence). As a verb, to assault is physical and serious. In speech, attack is usually enough; keep assault for violence or a fierce public attack, not a mild criticism.

Meaning

A violent physical attack, or a strong verbal attack.

Examples

• “The newspaper launched an assault on the policy.”
• “The paper launched an assault on the exam board’s marking.”
• “He was charged with assault after the fight outside the club.”

Good to know

A violent attack, or a fierce verbal attack. Everyday: attack. Legal in UK. Verb: assault (physical, serious).

Near in meaning

attack

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