assault

Everyday

1. (law) An assault is a violent attack on a person, or a threat to hurt them; it is a crime. tree →
2. To assault someone is to attack them violently. tree →
3. (military) An assault is an attack by soldiers to capture a place. tree →
4. A strong attack or challenge of another kind: «an assault on the mountain», «an assault on the senses» (very strong sights, sounds and smells). tree →
5. To assault someone with words is to attack them with harsh, rude talk. tree →

In the lessons

Met in news, history (battles) and safety talks: hurting someone is assault, and it is against the law. In stories it tells the reader there is danger. Phrases: «charged with assault», «assault on», «an assault course» (UK, an obstacle course for training).

Examples

• The man was arrested for assault. tree →
• Hitting someone can be assault, which is a crime. tree →
• The soldiers launched an assault on the fort. tree →
• The climbers made their assault on the summit at dawn. tree →
• The market was an assault on the senses: colours, smells and noise. tree →
• Our PE class did an assault course with ropes and walls. tree →
• If anyone hurts you, tell a trusted adult or the police. tree →

Note

Countable and uncountable. Stress on the second part: a-SAULT. A serious word: if someone hits or threatens you, it is never your fault. «Assault course» (UK) = «obstacle course» (US).

In Jewish tradition

Met in news, history (battles) and safety talks: hurting someone is assault, and it is against the law. In stories it tells the reader there is danger. Phrases: «charged with assault», «assault on», «an assault course» (UK, an obstacle course for training).

Note

Countable and uncountable. Stress on the second part: a-SAULT. A serious word: if someone hits or threatens you, it is never your fault. «Assault course» (UK) = «obstacle course» (US).