Assaulting

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Assault \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.


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              Insnared, assaulted, overcome, led bound. --Milton.
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     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.
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              Before the gates, the cries of babes newborn, . . .
              Assault his ears.                     --Dryden.
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     Note: In the latter sense, assail is more common.
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     Syn: To attack; assail; invade; encounter; storm; charge. See
          {Attack}.
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