What does “assail” mean?
- 1
verbto attack someone violently or criticize them strongly
The minister was assailed by reporters with questions.
- 2
verb(of a feeling) to affect someone strongly and unpleasantly
She was assailed by doubts the night before her exam.
Assail at a glance
- Part of speech
- verb
- CEFR level
- C2 (proficient)
- Pronunciation
- /əˈseɪl/ · uh-SAYL
How to use “assail” correctly
Formal and literary. An “assailant” is a person who attacks someone.
Common phrases with “assail”
- assailed by doubts
- assailed with questions
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- attack
- assault
- criticize
Word family
- assailant
“assail” is on these word lists
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