assail

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action d'attaquer violemment ou de critiquer durement quelqu'un ou quelque chose, que ce soit physiquement ou verbalement.

A verb used to indicate the act of attacking or criticizing someone or something vigorously, either physically or verbally.

1. Attack physicallyC1formal

   To make a violent or aggressive attack on someone.

   assaillir (attaque physique)

   • The soldiers assailed the fortress at dawn.
   • He was assailed by a group of thugs in the alley.
   • The guards assailed the intruders with force.

   Synonymesassaultattackbesetchargemugrushset onset uponstormstrike

   Antonymesaiddefendguardprotectshieldsupport

2. Criticize stronglyC1formal

   To attack someone verbally or with strong criticism.

   assaillir de critiques

   • The politician was assailed by the press for his remarks.
   • Critics assailed the new policy as ineffective.
   • She assailed her opponent's arguments during the debate.

   Synonymesattackberatecastigatecensureharanguelambasterevilescoldupbraidvilify

   Antonymescommendcomplimentdefendlaudpraise

3. Overwhelm with problemsC2formal

   To be troubled or overwhelmed by something, such as doubts, fears, or difficulties.

   Accabler

   • He was assailed by doubts about his decision.
   • The company was assailed by financial troubles.
   • She felt assailed by conflicting emotions.

   Synonymesafflictbedevilbesetbesiegedogharryhauntplaguetormenttrouble