[ ə'seɪl ]
■ verb
1》 make a concerted or violent attack on.
2》 (of an unpleasant feeling) come upon (someone) strongly.
Derivatives
~able adjective
Origin
ME: from OFr. asaill- , stressed stem of asalir , from med. L. assalire , from L. assilire , from ad- 'to' + salire 'to leap'.