assailable - Definitions from Dictionary.com

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Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

as·sail

Audio Help [uh-seyl] Pronunciation Key

–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; ME asaylen < OF asalir < LL assalīre, equiv. to L 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

—Synonyms 1. See attack. 2. asperse, malign.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

as·sail Audio Help (ə-sāl') Pronunciation Key
tr.v. as·sailed, as·sail·ing, as·sails

To attack with or as if with violent blows; assault.
To attack verbally, as with ridicule or censure. See Synonyms at attack.
To trouble; beset: was assailed by doubts.

[Middle English assailen, from Old French asalir, asaill-, from Vulgar Latin *assalīre, variant of Latin assilīre, to jump on : ad-, onto; see ad- + salīre, to jump; see sel- in Indo-European roots.]

as·sail'a·ble adj., as·sail'a·bil'i·ty n., as·sail'er n., as·sail'ment n.

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