Onslaught
/ˈɒn.slɔːt/noun
A fierce or destructive attack.
Did you know?The term 'onslaught' has roots in the concept of a sudden, overwhelming assault, often tied to ancient battles and sieges that felt almost like supernatural forces at play.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
onslaught
“A sudden, fierce attack or assault, especially in battle.”
Old Norse
Old Norse
slǫtt
“A sudden rush or attack, often associated with the notion of a fierce struggle.”
Proto-Germanic
Proto-Germanic
slōtō
“To strike or slay, reflecting violent action.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sleyg-
“To break or to strike, emphasizing the forceful nature of the action.”