C2 [ C or U ] a violent attack:
UK The number of indecent assaults has increased alarmingly over the past year.
› [ C ] a determined or serious attempt to do something difficult:
Women's groups have demanded a nationwide assault on sexism in the workplace.
She died heroically during an assault on the world's second-highest mountain.
assault and battery [ U ] specialized
More examples
- The assault was premeditated and particularly brutal.
- Cash Junior made a full-frontal assault on Hollywood's 'moral delinquency'.
- Racially motivated assaults on Asians are increasing.
- Assaults on hospital staff have increased over the last year.
- Police are hunting a student attacker after an unprovoked assault in a night club.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Physical & sexual assault & abduction
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Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
