assault
An intentional act that creates an apprehension in another of an imminent harmful or offensive contact.
In many legal jurisdictions, assault is the threat or the attempt to cause harm, while the actual physical contact is 'battery.' However, in common speech, 'assault' is often used to mean the physical beating itself.
Word relationships
- attack: Attack is a general term for any aggressive move; assault has specific legal definitions regarding intent and apprehension.
- defense: The act of protecting oneself against an assault.
- retreat: Moving away from a conflict rather than initiating one.
Commonly confused with
- battery: Assault is the threat/attempt; battery is the actual physical contact.
Word family
- assaulter (noun): A person who commits an assault.
- assailant (noun): A person who physically attacks another.
Collocations
- aggravated assault
- sexual assault
- verbal assault
- assault and battery
Example sentences
- "He was charged with assault after lunging at the victim and threatening to strike her." Describing a verbal threat that caused fear.
- "The assault on the fortress began at dawn, with infantry charging the main gates." A historical military context.
Memory hook
A-Salt: If someone throws salt in your eyes, they are jumping at you to hurt you. Jump toward (Ad-salt).
When not to use
In a strict legal context, don't use 'assault' if you specifically mean the physical hitting; use 'battery' or 'assault and battery.'
Fun facts
- You can be sued for civil assault even if you never touch the other person, as long as they reasonably feared you were about to.
- The term 'assault rifle' is a translation of the German 'Sturmgewehr' from WWII.
Related words
Explore more words
aggression, Harassment, robbery, retaliate, unlawful assembly, offense
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.