verb
assail
uh-SAYL/əˈseɪl/
To attack someone or something with great force.
The angry critics assail the man, who recoils from their forceful gestures.
Etymology
“Leap toward” gives the image of springing at someone in an attack. The meaning extended from physical assault to forceful attacks through arguments, abuse, or criticism.
In context
that a dictator could in certain cases defend the public Liberty without ever being able to assail it
More examples
- Critics assailed the proposal for its high cost.
- Doubts assailed her during the long wait.
- The soldiers assailed the fortified gate.
Forms
assail · assails · assailed · assailing