/ əˈseɪl; NAmE / verb [ vn ] ( formal )
1.
to attack sb violently, either physically or with words :
He was assailed with fierce blows to the head.
The proposal was assailed by the opposition party.
( figurative )
A vile smell assailed my nostrils.
2.
[ usually passive ] to disturb or upset sb severely :
to be assailed by worries / doubts / fears
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French asaill- , stressed stem of asalir , from medieval Latin assalire , from Latin assilire , from ad- to + salire to leap; compare with assault .