assail

[ad_1] verb (used with object)

1. to attack vigorously or violently; assault.
2. to attack with arguments, criticism, ridicule, abuse, etc.: to assail one’s opponent with slander.
3. to undertake with the purpose of mastering: He assailed his studies with new determination.
4. to impinge upon; make an impact on; beset: His mind was assailed by conflicting arguments. The light assailed their eyes.

verb (tr)

1. to attack violently; assault
2. to criticize or ridicule vehemently, as in argument
3. to beset or disturbhis mind was assailed by doubts
4. to encounter with the intention of masteringto assail a problem; to assail a difficult mountain ridge

v.

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.

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