[ad_1] verb (used with object)
- to attack vigorously or violently; assault.
- to attack with arguments, criticism, ridicule, abuse, etc.: to assail one’s opponent with slander.
- to undertake with the purpose of mastering: He assailed his studies with new determination.
- to impinge upon; make an impact on; beset: His mind was assailed by conflicting arguments. The light assailed their eyes.
verb (tr)
- to attack violently; assault
- to criticize or ridicule vehemently, as in argument
- to beset or disturbhis mind was assailed by doubts
- to encounter with the intention of masteringto assail a problem; to assail a difficult mountain ridge
c.1200, from Old French assalir “attack, assault, assail” (12c., Modern French assaillir), from Vulgar Latin *adsalire “to leap at,” from Latin ad- “at” (see ad-) + salire “to leap” (see salient (adj.)). Figurative use from mid-14c. Related: Assailed; assailing; assailable.