Assaulting
/əˈsɔːltɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo attack violently, usually physically.
/əˈsɔːltɪŋ/
To make a physical attack on.
The attacker assaulted the innocent bystander.
💡 Simply: To hit or hurt someone.
More Examples
The boxer was disqualified for assaulting his opponent.
How It's Used
"He was arrested for assaulting a police officer."
"The mugger assaulted the victim and stole his wallet."
To attack forcefully and aggressively, often with military implications.
/əˈsɔːltɪŋ/
To make a sudden, violent attack on (a place or position).
The army assaulted the enemy's stronghold.
💡 Simply: To attack a place or position.
More Examples
The rebels assaulted the government building.
How It's Used
"The enemy was assaulting our positions at dawn."
From Old French *assault, from Vulgar Latin *assaltāre, frequentative of Latin *assalīre "to leap at, assail," from ad- "to" + salīre "to leap." The modern sense of physical violence developed over time.
Historically, the word 'assault' was less strongly associated with physical violence and could refer to a verbal attack or a less violent physical confrontation.
Memory tip
Think of a sudden, forceful leap (from the Latin root).
Word Origin
"to leap at"