Assault
/əˈsɔːlt/noun
A sudden violent attack or a strong verbal criticism.
Did you know?*Assault* entered English through Old French from Latin, and its older form was tied to the idea of a sudden attack so forceful it could feel almost ritualized in medieval warfare.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
saltāre
“to leap or dance”
Late Latin
Late Latin
assaltāre
“to leap upon, attack”
Old French
Old French
assaillir
“to attack, rush at”
14th Century
English
assaut
“a violent attack or storming”
Modern English
English
assault
“a violent physical attack or a strong verbal attack”