Nearby Words
verb (used with object)
1.
to attack vigorously or violently; assault.
2.
to attack with arguments, criticism, ridicule, abuse, etc.: to assail one's opponent with slander.
3.
to undertake with the purpose of mastering: He assailed his studies with new determination.
4.
to impinge upon; make an impact on; beset: His mind was assailed by conflicting arguments. The light assailed their eyes.
Origin:
1175–1225; Middle English asaylen < Old French asalir < Late Latin assalīre, equivalent to Latin as- as- + salīre to leap, spring
1175–1225; Middle English asaylen < Old French asalir < Late Latin assalīre, equivalent to Latin as- as- + salīre to leap, spring
Related forms
as·sail·a·ble, adjective
as·sail·a·ble·ness, noun
as·sail·er, noun
as·sail·ment, noun
un·as·sailed, adjective
EXPANDun·as·sail·ing, adjective
COLLAPSE
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
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Assail
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is yaff. Does it mean:
| to swindle, cheat, hoodwink, or hoax. |
| to bark; yelp. |
Example Sentences
- The director leaves no doubt about his feelings for those who assail his movies or his actions.
- But the depth and breadth of his experience give him an authority that is hard to assail.
- Some critics were quick to assail the new policy as inadequate.
Collins
World English Dictionary
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
assail
early 13c., from O.Fr. assailir (12c.), from V.L. *adsalire "to leap at," from L. ad- "at" + salire "to leap" (see salient).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Cite This Source
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