assault

The definition of an assault is an act that causes verbal or physical injury.

(noun)

Rape is an example of assault.

To assault is defined as to cause harm to someone, to threaten harm, or to try and cause harm.

(verb)

Holding a gun on someone is an example of assault.

See assault in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a violent attack, either physical or verbal
rape
Law an unlawful threat or unsuccessful attempt to do physical harm to another, causing a present fear of immediate harm
Mil.
1. a sudden attack upon a fortified place
2. the close-combat phase of an attack

Origin: ME assaut < OFr assaut, assalt < VL *assaltus < assalire: see assail

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to make an assault (upon)

adjective

designating a rifle or other firearm, either automatic or semiautomatic, designed especially for military use

Related Forms:

See assault in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A violent physical or verbal attack.
a. A military attack, such as one launched against a fortified area or place.
b. The concluding stage of an attack in which close combat occurs with the enemy.
Law
a. An unlawful threat or attempt to do bodily injury to another.
b. The act or an instance of unlawfully threatening or attempting to injure another.
a. Law Sexual assault.
b. The crime of rape.