assault
Translation
assault, attack
Examples
He was charged with assault.
He was charged with assault.
The army launched an assault on the enemy city.
The army launched an assault on the enemy city.
Grammar Patterns
((an assault on sb./sth.)) an attack on someone or something The army launched an assault on the enemy city.
((to be charged with assault)) to be officially accused of physically attacking someone He was charged with assault.
Similar Words
Synonyms: attack, battery, aggression, offensive
Etymology
From Old French 'asaut', from Latin 'ad-' (to) + 'saltus' (a leap). Literally 'to leap upon'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'adding salt' to a wound, which is a form of attack. The 'ass-' prefix is similar to 'assassin', both involving aggressive acts.