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Definition of assail

assail

/əˈseɪl/
as · sail
Adjective:assailable
•
Past Simple:assailed
•
Past Participle:assailed
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Present Participle:assailing
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assail Lexical Profile

assail Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To criticize strongly or attack with harsh arguments, questions, or verbal abuse.

Example

"Opposition leaders were quick to assail the new tax proposal during the parliamentary debate."

2

To trouble, distress, or overwhelm the mind or senses (especially of doubts, fears, or strong sensations).

Example

"As the deadline approached, the young author was assailed by sudden doubts about the quality of her manuscript."

3

To make a concerted or violent physical attack upon someone or something.

Example

"Winter storms continued to assail the coastal cliffs throughout the month of January."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for assail

• Nearby Words

aspirin
aspiring
ass
assail
assailant
assam
assassin

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'asaillir', from Vulgar Latin '*assalire', a variant of Latin 'assilire' meaning 'to leap upon', formed from 'ad-' (to) and 'salire' (to leap).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Assail. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/assail
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