əˈsɔ:lt n. & v. --n. 1 a
violent physical or
verbal attack. 2 a
Law an
act that threatens physical
harm to a
person (whether or
not actual harm is done). b euphem. an act of rape. 3 (attrib.) relating to or used in an assault ( assault
craft; assault troops). 4 a
vigorous start made to a
lengthy or
difficult task. 5 a
final rush on a fortified
place,
esp. at
the end of a prolonged attack. --v.tr. 1
make an assault
on. 2 euphem. rape. øassault
and battery Law a threatening act that results in physical harm
done to a person. assault
course an
obstacle course used in
training soldiers etc. øøassaulter n. assaultive adj. [ME f. OF asaut, assauter ult. f. L (salire saltleap)]