assailant
Assailant (noun) means a person who physically attacks another person. Example: “Police are still searching for the assailant.”
How to Use Assailant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who attacks another person, usually reported in a news or legal context.
Fairly formal; commonly used in news reports and police statements rather than everyday speech, where 'attacker' is more common.
Word Forms
assailants plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Police are still searching for the _____.
Etymology
From Old French assaillant, from a verb meaning "to attack," ultimately from Latin salire, "to jump."
Synonyms
View more →Related Words
Rhymes for assailant
See all rhymes for assailant →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “assailant” mean?
The word “assailant” means a person who physically attacks another person. In plain terms, someone who attacks another person, usually reported in a news or legal context.
How do you pronounce “assailant”?
“Assailant” is pronounced uh-SAY-luhnt (/əˈseɪlənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “assailant” in a sentence?
Here is “assailant” used in a sentence: “Police are still searching for the assailant.”
What part of speech is “assailant”?
“Assailant” is a noun.
Where does the word “assailant” come from?
The word “assailant” comes from Latin. From Old French assaillant, from a verb meaning "to attack," ultimately from Latin salire, "to jump.".