onslaught
UK: ˈɒnslɔːt | US: ˈɑːnslɔːt
n. a fierce or destructive attack
n. an overwhelming outpouring or occurrence (e.g., an onslaught of criticism)
onslaught = on<upon> + slaught<slaying>
- on (from Old English on, meaning "upon, against")
- slaught (from Old English sleaht, meaning "slaying," related to slay)
Etymology Origin:
The word onslaught originated in the early 17th century, combining on (indicating direction or target) with slaught (an archaic term for "slaughter" or "killing"). It originally described a violent physical assault but later expanded metaphorically to describe any overwhelming force or barrage (e.g., an onslaught of questions). The term retains its vivid imagery of aggression, rooted in Old English warfare vocabulary.
The village was unprepared for the sudden onslaught of enemy troops.
The team faced an onslaught of complaints after their poor performance.
Heavy rains brought an onslaught of flooding to the coastal town.
Her speech provoked an onslaught of media attention.
The immune system struggles to defend against an onslaught of viruses.