assail

verb
UK: /əˈseɪl/
US: /əˈseɪl/

  1. To attack someone physically.

    1. The mugger tried to assail him in the dark street. [ ] [ ]
    2. Rioters assailed the police with rocks and bottles during the protest. [ ] [ ]

  2. To criticize someone strongly or publicly.

    1. The media began to assail the senator after the scandal. [ ] [ ]
    2. Critics assailed his latest book for its controversial themes and poor writing. [ ] [ ]

  3. To affect someone strongly, especially with unpleasant sensations.

    1. The strong smell began to assail my nostrils. [ ] [ ]
    2. A cacophony of car horns assailed our ears as we entered the city. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

attack assault criticize berate bombard charge abuse belabor
assail noun

  1. A violent attack.

    1. He suffered a brutal assail in the alleyway last night. [ ] [ ]
    2. The knight prepared to meet the dragon's powerful assail with his shield raised. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "assail" in English means: To attack someone physically., To criticize someone strongly or publicly., To affect someone strongly, especially with unpleasant sensations..

The phonetic transcription of "assail" is /əˈseɪl/ in British English and /əˈseɪl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "assail": attack, assault, criticize, berate, bombard, charge, abuse, belabor.

Example usage of "assail": "The mugger tried to assail him in the dark street.". More examples on the page.