assail

[ uh-seyl ]

verb (used with object)

1. to attack vigorously or violently; assault.
2. to attack with arguments, criticism, ridicule, abuse, etc.:

   to assail one's opponent with slander.

   Synonyms: malign, asperse

3. to undertake with the purpose of mastering:

   He assailed his studies with new determination.

4. to impinge upon; make an impact on; beset:

   His mind was assailed by conflicting arguments.

   The light assailed their eyes.

assail

/ əˈseɪl /

verb

1. to attack violently; assault
2. to criticize or ridicule vehemently, as in argument
3. to beset or disturb

   his mind was assailed by doubts

4. to encounter with the intention of mastering

   to assail a problem

   to assail a difficult mountain ridge

Derived Forms

• asˈsailable, adjective
• asˈsailer, noun
• asˈsailment, noun

Other Words From

• as·saila·ble adjective
• as·saila·ble·ness noun
• as·sailer noun
• as·sailment noun
• unas·sailed adjective
• unas·sailing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of assail¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of assail¹

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

Synonym Study

See attack.

Example Sentences

But the relationship cooled in the final months of his presidency as the ambassador assailed plans to overhaul the judiciary that critics saw as a ruling-party power play.

From Los Angeles Times

Using the imagery of crusades, he assailed “the late unholy war with the Indians” and the “wicked crusade against the peace of Mexico” during the 1830s.

From Salon

For months, Jurado has assailed De León over his participation in a conversation with three other Latino political leaders that featured crude and racist remarks.

From Los Angeles Times

De León has assailed that stance, saying it would leave neighborhoods from downtown to Boyle Heights vulnerable to violent crime.

From Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Police Protective League, a union that represents about 8,800 police officers, assailed Jurado’s comments, calling them “nonsensical.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bash
• berate
• blast
• criticize
• impugn
• lambaste
• revile
• trash
• vilify