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.
☞ In the latter sense, assail is more common.
Syn. — To attack; assail; invade; encounter; storm; charge. See Attack.