onslaught

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noun on·slaught \ˈän-ËŒslȯt, ˈȯn-\

: a violent attack

Full Definition of ONSLAUGHT

:  an especially fierce attack; also :  something resembling such an attack <an onslaught of technological changes>

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Examples of ONSLAUGHT

1. an onslaught by the enemy
2. <the massive onslaught of enemy troops caught the country by surprise>

Origin of ONSLAUGHT

modification of Dutch aanslag act of striking; akin to Old English an on and to Old English slēan to strike — more at slay

First Known Use: circa 1625

Related to ONSLAUGHT

Synonyms

aggression, assault, attempt, blitz, blitzkrieg, charge, coup de main, descent, offense (or offence), offensive, onset, attack, raid, rush, strike

Related Words

ambuscade, ambush; counteraggression, counterassault, counterattack, counteroffensive, counterstrike; sally, sortie; envelopment, flanking; breakthrough, foray, incursion, invasion; pillage, ravage, sack; air raid, bombardment, bombing; siege, storm; barrage, cannonade, fusillade, hail, salvo, volley; whammy

Near Antonyms

defense, defensive, guard, shield; opposition, resistance; protection, security, shelter

Rhymes with ONSLAUGHT

a thought, Connacht, distraught, dreadnought, forethought, free thought, handwrought, high-wrought, in-wrought, self-taught, store-bought, unsought, untaught, unthought