# assail

> English word · Verb · IPA /əˈseɪl/ · frequency rank #83,008

## Definitions
1. To attack with harsh words or violent force (also figuratively).

## Etymology
From Middle English assailen, from Old French assaillir, assalir, from Late Latin assalīre, from Latin ad (“at, towards”) + salīre (“jump”). See also assault.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/assail