assail
4 synonyms for assail, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To attack someone fiercely, either physically or with strong criticism.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
Came into English from Middle English assailen, from Old French assaillir, assalir, from Late Latin assalīre, from Latin ad ('at, towards') and salīre ('jump'). See also assault.
Full origin of assail →