Assault
/əˈsɔːlt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo attack violently, usually physically.
/əˈsɔːlt/
To make a physical attack on.
The robber assaulted the cashier and stole the money.
💡 Simply: To hit or attack someone.
More Examples
He was assaulted in a dark alley.
How It's Used
"He was arrested for assaulting a police officer."
"The defendant was charged with aggravated assault."
A violent physical attack.
/əˈsɔːlt/
The police are investigating the assault.
💡 Simply: A physical attack.
More Examples
She suffered injuries as a result of the assault.
How It's Used
"The victim reported the assault to the police."
"The news reported on a brutal assault in the city center."
From Old French *assault, from Vulgar Latin *assaltus, from Latin *ad- + *saltus, "leap, jump". Originally referring to a sudden attack, it evolved to encompass both physical and verbal aggression.
Historically, the term often described military attacks. Its modern usage focuses more on personal violence.
Memory tip
Imagine a sudden, forceful 'salt' leaping upon someone.