assaultive

[ uh-sawl-tiv ]

adjective

1. tending or seeming to assault; physically aggressive:

   the assaultive behavior of the inmates; the assaultive manner of some rock bands.

Other Words From

• as·saultive·ly adverb
• as·saultive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of assaultive¹

First recorded in 1950–55; assault + -ive

Example Sentences

According to the sheriff’s office, the male who was still armed with the machete “continued to behave erratic and assaultive” toward the deputies and a deputy-involved shooting occurred.

From Los Angeles Times

Weston, who was a Boeing employee, was on the grounds for about five hours and “repeatedly engaged in disruptive, destructive, and assaultive behavior,” according to the sentencing memorandum.

From Seattle Times

“Most importantly, there are already laws on the books to address assaultive conduct.”

From Seattle Times

The ambient soundscape, by the cellist and composer Mizu, is industrial, too, with assaultive waves of rumbling, buzzing, hissing and screeching.

From New York Times

The law had defined “abnormally dangerous” weapons as having special features making them more suitable for “assaultive purposes” rather than recreation or self-defense.

From Los Angeles Times