onslaught

noun

on·​slaught ˈän-ˌslȯt 

ˈȯn-

: an especially fierce attack

the tremendous onslaught across the Rhine

—Sir Winston Churchill

also : something resembling such an attack

an onslaught of technological changes

Employers are expecting an onslaught of recent college graduates.

Synonyms

• aggression
• assault
• attack
• attempt
• blitz
• blitzkrieg
• charge
• coup de main
• descent
• offense
• offence
• offensive
• onset
• raid
• rush
• strike

Examples of onslaught in a Sentence

an onslaught by the enemy

the massive onslaught of enemy troops caught the country by surprise

Recent Examples on the Web

The onslaught has been so extensive that the United States now has its highest average tariff rate in over a century − and more seem on the way. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025

When two of the men turn and run, Tommy’s left with one other man to defend against the onslaught as the people on the rooftops fire into the street and the non-combatants cower inside. —Sara Netzley, EW.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Back in Jackson, Tommy and Maria survived the infected onslaught, but the town is in pieces. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 20 Apr. 2025

But the Milanese will have to be at their best to withstand the Bayern onslaught led by Kane (34 goals and 12 assists in all competitions). —David Ferrini, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for onslaught

• allot
• barat
• begot
• besought
• bethought
• bloodshot
• boycott
• buckshot
• crackpot
• croat
• culottes
• dashpot

Kids Definition

onslaught

noun

on·​slaught ˈän-ˌslȯt 

ˈȯn-

: a violent attack