Main Entry:

as·sail

Pronunciation:

\ə-ˈsāl\

Function:

transitive verb

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French assaillir, from Vulgar Latin *assalire, alteration of Latin assilire to leap upon, from ad- + salire to leap — more at sally

Date:

13th century

: to attack violently with blows or words

synonyms see attack

— as·sail·able \-ˈsā-lə-bəl\ adjective

— as·sail·ant \-ˈsā-lənt\ noun