from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Assault \As*sault"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Assaulted}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Assaulting}.] [From {Assault}, n.: cf. OF. assaulter,
LL. assaltare.]
1. To make an assault upon, as by a sudden rush of armed men;
to attack with unlawful or insulting physical violence or
menaces.
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Insnared, assaulted, overcome, led bound. --Milton.
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2. To attack with moral means, or with a view of producing
moral effects; to attack by words, arguments, or
unfriendly measures; to assail; as, to assault a
reputation or an administration.
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Before the gates, the cries of babes newborn, . . .
Assault his ears. --Dryden.
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Note: In the latter sense, assail is more common.
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Syn: To attack; assail; invade; encounter; storm; charge. See
{Attack}.
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