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. [1913 Webster]

Insnared, assaulted, overcome, led bound. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

Before the gates, the cries of babes newborn, . . . Assault his ears. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

Note: In the latter sense, assail is more common. [1913 Webster]

Syn: To attack; assail; invade; encounter; storm; charge. See Attack. [1913 Webster]

Source: 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.

Insnared, assaulted, overcome, led bound. --Milton.

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.

Before the gates, the cries of babes newborn, . . . Assault his ears. --Dryden.

Note: In the latter sense, assail is more common.

Syn: To attack; assail; invade; encounter; storm; charge. See Attack.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)