noun
A violent onset or attack with physical means, for example blows, weapons, etc.
The army made an assault on the enemy.
The Spanish general prepared to renew the assault.
A violent verbal attack, for example with insults, criticism, and the like
She launched a written assault on the opposition party.
An attempt to commit battery: a violent attempt, or willful effort with force or violence, to do hurt to another, but without necessarily touching the person, such as by raising a fist in a threatening manner, or by striking at the person a
The crime whose action is such an attempt.
An act that causes someone to apprehend imminent bodily harm (such as brandishing a weapon).
verb
To attack, physically or figuratively; to assail.
Tom was accused of assaulting another man outside a nightclub.
Loud music assaulted our ears as we entered the building.
To threaten or harass.