Assail
/əˈseɪl/
verbC2
Definition
Assail means to come at someone or something with strong force, either physically or with words. It can mean to attack with weapons or to criticize someone harshly. The action is usually quick and powerful.
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See It in Action
To attack physically or with weapons
- •The soldiers assailed the fortress at dawn.
- •Pirates assailed the ship without warning.
- •The castle was assailed by enemy forces for days.
To attack with words or criticism
- •The politician was assailed by the press after the scandal.
- •She was assailed by questions during the interview.
- •Critics assailed the new movie for its poor story.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "assail" like "attack" (A2 word), but more formal and often stronger or more sudden.
- ✓Picture a knight suddenly charging at a castle gate, trying to break through quickly.
- ✓It's the feeling when you are surprised by a strong, fast problem or criticism that feels like a storm.
- ✓Sounds like "a-SAIL" → imagine a sail on a boat catching a strong wind that pushes hard and fast.
- ✓In stories, heroes often assail their enemies to protect others, showing courage and power.
- ✓NOT like "hit" (simple physical contact), "assail" means a strong, focused attack or strong criticism.
- ✓NOT like "criticize" (which can be gentle), "assail" means to criticize harshly and forcefully.
- ✓NOT like "defend" (protecting), "assail" means to go on the attack.
Try Other Words
- •Attack: to try to hurt or damage someone or something (Use when speaking simply about physical or verbal fights)
- •Criticize: to say what is wrong with someone or something (Use when focusing on negative opinions)
- •Assault: to physically attack someone (Use when the attack is violent and physical)
- •Storm: to attack quickly and with force (Use when describing sudden, fast attacks)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "as-" (variant of "ad-", meaning "to, toward") + root "sail" (from Latin "saliō," meaning "to leap or jump")
- •Etymology: From Latin "assailire," meaning to leap at or attack
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 14th century to mean sudden attack or assault
- •Modern usage: Used in formal or literary language to describe strong attacks, either physical or verbal
Reflect & Connect
•Can words like "assail" be used in peaceful situations, or do they always mean violence or harshness?
•How does the feeling of being assailed by criticism compare to being physically attacked? How do people react differently?
Fill in the blanks
1.The army decided to assail the enemy camp ___ the early morning light.
2.When the celebrity was assailed by reporters, she felt ___ and confused.
3.Unlike a gentle comment, to assail someone means to criticize ___ and strongly.
4.The defenders were ready, but the attackers assailed the walls with ___ force.
5.People often feel overwhelmed when they are assailed ___ many problems at once.
6.The politician was assailed ___ questions during the press conference.
7.Unlike simply disagreeing, to assail an idea means to attack it with ___ arguments.