assault

/əˈsɔlt/
verb
  1. To make a physical attack on someone.
    • She was assaulted while walking home late at night.
    • The man was arrested for assaulting a security guard.
    • The video shows the suspect assaulting the victim with a bat.
  2. To attack or challenge something vigorously, such as a problem or system.
    • They assaulted the old computer system with a series of tests.
    • The new policy assaults the very principles of fairness.
    • The researchers assaulted the problem from every angle.
noun
  1. A physical attack or threat of attack on a person.
    • He was charged with assault after the fight outside the bar.
    • The victim reported the assault to the police immediately.
    • Verbal threats can sometimes be considered assault in court.
  2. A strong or determined attempt to achieve something difficult.
    • Her assault on the world record fell just short.
    • The team launched an assault on the mountain peak at dawn.
    • The charity began an assault on poverty in the region.
  3. A military attack on a position or fortification.
    • The general ordered an assault on the enemy's stronghold.
    • The assault began with heavy artillery fire.
    • The soldiers prepared for a night assault on the bridge.
What does "assault" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean