assault
noun (countable)
UK/əˈsɔːlt/US/əˈsɔːlt/
A legal term for the attempt or threat to inflict physical harm on someone, causing them to fear imminent harm.
Example Sentences
In some jurisdictions, assault does not require physical contact.
He was convicted of assault under aggravated circumstances.
The legal definition of assault varies between different countries.
Assault charges can carry severe penalties if proven in court.
She claimed she was a victim of an unprovoked assault.
The new law aims to provide better protection against assault.
Assault and battery are often treated separately in legal proceedings.
He faces multiple assault charges after the violent incident.
Thesaurus
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verb (transitive)
UK/əˈsɔːlt/US/əˈsɔːlt/
To make a physical attack on someone.
Example Sentences
He assaulted the store owner during the robbery.
She was accused of assault after the heated argument.
The attacker assaulted the victim with a blunt object.
They plan to assault the enemy base at dawn.
He was arrested for assault following the bar fight.
The witness testified that he saw the defendant assault the woman.
She refused to press charges despite being assaulted.
The soldier was disciplined for assaulting a fellow service member.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
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How to Use
A violent act or attempt to inflict harm or fear, often involving force or threat.In common usage, “assault” generally means to attack another person—physically or verbally—causing fear, injury, or both. Legally, definitions vary by jurisdiction, but assault typically involves actions or threats that make a victim reasonably fear imminent harm. In some places, “assault” can mean the threat or attempt, while “battery” denotes actual physical contact. However, many everyday references to “assault” treat it as the entire act of violent contact or aggression. Beyond physical altercations, a verbal assault might be a barrage of hostile words designed to intimidate or threaten. If you say someone “assaulted” another, you imply malicious intent or reckless aggression—like punching someone in a fight, brandishing a weapon, or issuing threats that make the victim feel in danger. The severity of an assault charge or label can depend on factors like whether a weapon was used, how serious the injuries were, or if the act targeted a vulnerable person. In many cultures, assault is a serious crime punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both. Using “assault” accurately in conversation or writing emphasizes an act of aggression rather than a milder dispute or argument.
Alternatives
Depending on context, terms like “attack,” “battery,” or “aggression” can sometimes replace “assault.” “Attack” is more general and can apply to either physical or verbal confrontations. In strict legal language, “battery” may specify unwanted physical contact, while “assault” can also include threats. “Aggression” covers broader hostility or violent tendencies without necessarily referencing a legal concept. If focusing on intimidation without physical contact, you might say “menacing” or “harassment.” Still, “assault” remains the standard term for a direct act or credible threat designed to cause harm or fear.
Writing
When writing about “assault,” especially in legal or formal documents, differentiate between threat (the act that induces fear of harm) and actual physical contact or injury. Clarify the charges if referencing real cases—like “He was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon” or “She’s facing misdemeanor assault charges.” If describing a scene in fiction, build context around motive, the nature of the aggression, and its emotional impact on the victim. If exploring societal or policy angles—like sexual assault or assault rates—include statistics, definitions, and the legal ramifications to ensure accuracy and gravity.In journalism, stating “the suspect was charged with assault” indicates police or prosecutors believe the individual harmed or attempted to harm someone. Adding details—e.g., injuries sustained, nature of the threat, whether weapons were involved—lends clarity. Regardless of the setting, be mindful to depict both the seriousness of assault and any legal or moral complexities involved, as it’s a loaded term with substantial social implications.
Casual Conversation
In informal speech, you might hear phrases like “He assaulted me with questions!” humorously describing someone asking too many questions at once. While such uses exaggerate for effect, they still hint at overwhelming force or aggression. If describing a real event among friends, you might say, “She was assaulted outside the bar,” signifying an alarming act of violence or threat.Online discussions sometimes use “assault” figuratively—“I felt assaulted by those glaring ads!”—to convey irritation or a strong negative response to something invasive. Still, most casual references to assault revolve around concerning altercations—like “He got into a fight and was charged with assault.” This everyday usage underscores harm, aggression, and a breach of personal safety, aligning with the term’s serious connotation.
Etymology
“Assault” comes from the Old French “asaut,” originally from Latin “adsaltus” (a combination of “ad-” meaning “to” and “saltus,” derived from “salire,” meaning “to leap”). This root hints at the idea of ‘leaping upon’ or rushing someone in an aggressive manner. Over time, the term in Middle English came to denote a violent attack or onset, preserving that image of swift, forceful action. Today, “assault” remains steeped in this meaning of sudden aggression or threatened harm—whether referencing physical blows, verbal intimidation, or the credible threat thereof.
