assail

verb

1. attack someone physically or emotionally

   verb.competition

   Examples

   Nightmares assailed him regularly.

   Synonyms assault attack set on

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with

   verb.competition

   Examples

   Serbian forces assailed Bosnian towns all week.

   Synonyms attack

   Antonyms defend

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. attack in speech or writing

   verb.communication

   Synonyms assault attack lash out round snipe

   Source: WordNet 3.0

4. To attack with violence, or in a vehement and hostile manner; to assault; to molest; as, to <i>assail</i> a man with blows; to <i>assail</i> a city with artillery.

   verb

   Source: webster1913