assails
|a-sail|
/əˈseɪl/
(assail)
attack forcefully
Etymology
'assail' originates from Latin, specifically from 'assalire' (also seen as 'assilire'), where the prefix 'ad-' meant 'to, toward' and 'salire' meant 'to leap.'
'assail' passed into Old French as 'assaillir'/'assaillier', then into Middle English as 'assailen' and later became the modern English 'assail.'
Initially it meant 'to leap upon' or 'to spring at'; over time it developed the broader meaning 'to attack' (physically) and extended metaphorically to 'attack verbally' or 'criticize severely.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
derived noun form of 'assail' — 'assailant': a person who attacks (physically or verbally).
The assailant was quickly captured by police.
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Verb 1
make a violent or sudden physical attack on; set upon.
The raiders assails the outpost at dawn.
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Verb 2
criticize or challenge forcefully; subject to a hostile verbal attack.
The editorial assails the senator for his remarks.
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Adjective 1
derived adjective form of 'assail' — 'assailable': able to be attacked or criticized.
His argument is assailable on several points.
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Last updated: 2025/11/01 13:02