Definition of "assault" in English

noun

1. A violent onset or attack with physical means, for example blows, weapons, etc.

   • The army made an assault on the enemy.

2. A violent verbal attack, for example with insults, criticism, and the like

   • She launched a written assault on the opposition party.

3. (crime law) An attempt to commit battery: a violent attempt, or willful effort with force or violence, to do hurt to another, but without necessarily touching the person, such as by raising a fist in a threatening manner, or by striking at the person and missing.

4. (singular only, law) The crime whose action is such an attempt.

5. (tort law) An act that causes someone to apprehend imminent bodily harm (such as brandishing a weapon).

6. (singular only, law) The tort whose action is such an act.

7. (fencing) A non-competitive combat between two fencers.

verb

1. (transitive) To attack, physically or figuratively; to assail.

   • Tom was accused of assaulting another man outside a nightclub.
   • Loud music assaulted our ears as we entered the building.

2. (transitive) To threaten or harass.