C1noun2K

Assault

UK /["/əˈsɔːlt/"]/US /["/əˈsɔːlt/"]/

Definition

the crime of attacking somebody physically

In simple words: A violent attack on someone.

Examples

  • The criminal was charged with assault after the altercation in the bar.
  • The documentary shed light on the psychological effects of assault on victims.
  • He faced a court hearing regarding the alleged assault that took place last week.
  • In legal terms, assault can refer to both physical attacks and threats of violence.
  • The city organized a seminar on self-defense to empower women against potential assault.

Usage notes

Typically used in legal contexts or discussions about violence. It can refer to both physical and verbal attacks. Avoid in casual conversations; use 'hit' or 'attack' instead.

Grammar pattern

assault + object

Memory hint

Think of 'a-salt' — imagine someone throwing salt at another person in a fight.

Collocations

  • brutal
  • ferocious
  • savage
  • series
  • wave
  • carry out
  • commit
  • be the victim of
  • happen
  • occur
  • take place
  • assault against
  • assault on
  • assault upon
  • allegations of assault
  • assault and battery
  • all-out
  • direct
  • frontal
  • series
  • begin
  • carry out
  • conduct
  • course
  • operation
  • gun
  • under assault
  • assault on
  • all-out
  • direct
  • frontal
  • series
  • begin
  • carry out
  • conduct
  • course
  • operation
  • gun
  • under assault
  • assault on

Synonyms

  • attack
  • attack

Antonyms

  • peace
  • defense
  • protection

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'assaulted' vs 'assaulting' when conjugating.
  • Using 'assault' as a noun instead of a verb.
  • Mixing up the meaning with 'assault weapon' which refers specifically to a type of gun.