Assaulted
/əˈsɔːltɪd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo attack violently, usually physically.
/əˈsɔːltɪd/
To make a physical attack on.
The mugger assaulted the elderly woman and stole her purse.
💡 Simply: To hurt someone physically by attacking them.
More Examples
He was assaulted in broad daylight.
How It's Used
"The victim stated that he was assaulted in the parking lot."
"The patient was assaulted, resulting in multiple injuries."
To attack forcefully and suddenly.
/əˈsɔːltɪd/
To make a sudden, violent attack on (a place, etc.).
The rebels assaulted the government building.
💡 Simply: To attack a place violently and quickly.
More Examples
The army assaulted the enemy stronghold.
How It's Used
"The enemy assaulted the city walls at dawn."
From Old French *assault, from Latin *assaltus, from ad- "to" + salire "to leap, jump". Originally referring to a sudden attack, it evolved to encompass various forms of violence.
Historically, the word carried a more military connotation, referring to the forceful attack of a fortification.
Memory tip
Imagine someone 'salting' (leaping) onto you aggressively.