assault

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assault" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts, discussions about violence, or when describing an attack or threat against someone. Example: "The defendant was charged with assault after the altercation outside the bar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

El-Maarfi faces two counts of sexual assault and one count of exposure.

The Guardian

Khaled el-Azibi, 18, has also been charged with three counts of sexual assault but has yet to enter a plea.

The Guardian

A much larger man tried to assault Ayarci, 26, and had to be stopped by other "Obamacare" opponents.

The Guardian

Samantha Power, the US ambassador to the UN, said it was "ironic to say the least" that Russia produced the motion at the same time as it was "backing an all-out assault" in Ukraine despite the ceasefire.

The Guardian

Amos is the first senior international figure to visit Baba Amr since the Syrian government launched an assault against its opponents.

The Guardian

This state of affairs is doubly extraordinary because, unlike the 1930s or late 19th century, there is a welfare state – even if it is under assault from the coalition – which thankfully underwrites collective demand.

The Guardian - Opinion

So, here were two snapshots about sexual assault: one showing that, while false rape accusations are relatively rare, rape denial still remains rife, even among some police – the very people who hold the key to any kind of justice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Baghdad became one of the great cities of the world – culture and science included – before the Mongul assault of 1258.

The Guardian

Neil Small was arrested on suspicion of a previous domestic assault on his girlfriend, Magdalena Stapleton, 27, on the morning of the frenzied knife attack.

The Guardian

The Islamists' assault on the Borno state capital saw rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) fired into homes, said witnesses and security sources.

The Guardian

The 32-year-old was first charged with sexual assault more than 10 years ago, in his home district of Mainpuri in the poor and lawless northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assault" when describing a physical or verbal attack, particularly in legal or formal contexts. Be specific about the type of assault (e.g., sexual assault, aggravated assault) to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "assault" and "battery" interchangeably. "Assault" refers to the threat of harm, while "battery" involves actual physical contact. Ensure you use the correct term to accurately describe the event.

Linguistic Context

The word "assault" functions primarily as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it denotes a violent physical or verbal attack. As a verb, it means to attack someone physically or verbally. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in both forms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "assault" is a versatile word used to describe both physical and verbal attacks. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and can function as both a noun and a verb. Its usage is very common, particularly in news and media contexts, where it describes various forms of aggression and violation. While synonyms like "attack" or "violation" exist, "assault" often carries a more formal and serious tone, especially in legal or official reporting. Avoiding confusion with similar terms like "battery" and understanding its legal implications are key to using this term accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attack

A more general term for offensive action, encompassing both physical and verbal forms.

onslaught

Implies a fierce or destructive attack.

aggression

Suggests hostile or forceful behavior.

battery

Specifically refers to unlawful physical contact.

violation

Emphasizes the transgression of rights or boundaries.

offensive

Highlights the act of initiating hostility.

encroachment

Indicates gradual or subtle intrusion.

incursion

Suggests a sudden and brief invasion.

raid

Implies a swift and targeted attack.

blitz

Refers to an intensive and overwhelming attack.

FAQs

How is "assault" defined legally?

Legally, "assault" typically refers to the threat or attempt to inflict physical harm on another person, creating a reasonable fear of imminent harm. It doesn't necessarily require actual physical contact, unlike "battery".

What are common synonyms for "assault"?

Common synonyms for "assault" include "attack", "onslaught", "aggression", and "violation", each carrying slightly different connotations depending on the context.

What is the difference between "assault" and "battery"?

"Assault" involves the threat of physical harm, whereas "battery" involves the actual physical contact or infliction of harm. Assault can occur without battery, and vice versa, but they often occur together.

How to use "assault" in a sentence?

You can use "assault" in a sentence like this: "He was arrested and charged with "sexual assault"." or "The army launched an "assault" on the enemy's stronghold."