assault
UK: əˈsɔːlt | US: əˈsɒlt
n. a violent physical or verbal attack
vt. to make a violent attack on someone or something
The word "assault" originates from Old French assaut, derived from Latin assaltus (a leap or attack), which combines the intensive prefix ad- (as "as-") and saltus (a jump). The term originally referred to a sudden, aggressive leap or charge in battle, later evolving to denote any violent attack. The morpheme "sault" preserves the idea of forceful motion, while "as-" intensifies the action.
The soldier was charged with assault after attacking a civilian.
The castle endured multiple assaults during the war.
Verbal assault can be as damaging as physical violence.
The law defines assault as an attempt to harm someone.
Protesters claimed police used unnecessary force during the assault.