n. & v.
n. 1 a violent physical or verbal attack. 2 a Law an act that threatens physical harm to a person (whether or not actual harm is done). b euphem. an act of rape. 3 (attrib.) relating to or used in an assault ( assault craft; assault troops). 4 a vigorous start made to a lengthy or difficult task. 5 a final rush on a fortified place, esp. at the end of a prolonged attack.
v.tr. 1 make an assault on. 2 euphem. rape. assault and battery Law a threatening act that results in physical harm done to a person. assault course an obstacle course used in training soldiers etc. assaulter n. assaultive adj.
[ ME f. OF asaut, assauter ult. f. L (salire salt- leap) ]