assail

[ uh-seyl ]
/ əˈseɪl /

verb (used with object)

to attack vigorously or violently; assault.
to attack with arguments, criticism, ridicule, abuse, etc.: to assail one's opponent with slander.
to undertake with the purpose of mastering: He assailed his studies with new determination.
to impinge upon; make an impact on; beset: His mind was assailed by conflicting arguments. The light assailed their eyes.

Origin of assail

1175–1225; Middle English asaylen < Old French asalir < Late Latin assalīre, equivalent to Latin as- as- + salīre to leap, spring

SYNONYMS FOR assail

synonym study for assail

1. See attack.

OTHER WORDS FROM assail

Example sentences from the Web for assailing

British Dictionary definitions for assailing

assail
/ (əˈseɪl) /

verb (tr)

to attack violently; assault
to criticize or ridicule vehemently, as in argument
to beset or disturb his mind was assailed by doubts
to encounter with the intention of mastering to assail a problem; to assail a difficult mountain ridge

Derived forms of assail

assailable, adjective assailer, noun assailment, noun

Word Origin for assail

C13: from Old French asalir, from Vulgar Latin assalīre (unattested) to leap upon, from Latin assilīre, from salīre to leap