assaults

Noun

assault (countable and uncountable, plural assaults)

1. A violent onset or attack with physical means, for example blows, weapons, etc.
   • The army made an assault on the enemy.
2. A violent verbal attack, for example with insults, criticism, and the like
   • She launched a written assault on the opposition party.
3. (crime law) An attempt to commit battery: a violent attempt, or willful effort with force or violence, to do hurt to another, but without necessarily touching the person, such as by raising a fist in a threatening manner, or by striking at the person and missing.
4. (singular, singular-only) The crime whose action is such an attempt.
5. An act that causes someone to apprehend imminent bodily harm (such as brandishing a weapon).
6. (singular, singular-only) The tort whose action is such an act.

See all 9 meanings of assault