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- DictionaryAs·sail/əˈsāl/
verb
- 1. make a concerted or violent attack on: "the Scots army assailed Edward's army from the rear"
Add to word list. to criticize something or someone strongly, or to cause someone to experience unpleasant thoughts or feelings: Many parents assailed the proposal to lengthen the school day. After the decision to quit his job, he was assailed by doubts.
To assail is to attack or assault — with throwing stars, fists, words or, less tangibly but just as violently, with troubles or doubts. Believe it or not, assail evolved from the ancient Latin word assilire, which means "to jump on."
Definition of assail verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
1. To attack violently, as with blows or military force; assault. 2. To attack verbally, as with ridicule or censure. See Synonyms at attack. 3. To trouble or beset, as with questions or doubts.
6 days ago · ( transitive) To attack with harsh words or violent force ( also figuratively ). Muggers assailed them as they entered an alley. Our ears were assailed by her joyous efforts on her new saxophone. Derived terms [ edit] assailable. assailant. assailer. assailment. reassail. unassailability. unassailed. unassailing. Related terms [ edit] assault.
2 days ago · 4 meanings: 1. to attack violently; assault 2. to criticize or ridicule vehemently, as in argument 3. to beset or disturb 4. to.... Click for more definitions.
To attack verbally, as with ridicule or censure. American Heritage. To attack with arguments, questions, doubts, etc. Webster's New World. To trouble or beset, as with questions or doubts. American Heritage. More Verb Definitions (3) Synonyms: pitch into. have at. go at. fall on. beset. attack. assault. aggress. sail into. light into. strike.
