assail
|as/sail|
C1
/əˈseɪl/
attack forcefully
Etymology
Etymology Information
'assail' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'assilire,' where 'ad-' meant 'toward' and 'salire' meant 'to leap.'
Historical Evolution
'assilire' transformed into the Old French word 'assalir,' and eventually became the modern English word 'assail' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to leap upon or attack,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to attack or criticize.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to attack someone or something violently or aggressively.
The army planned to assail the enemy at dawn.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35