assail | Definition of assail

Synonyms and Antonyms of assail

1 to criticize harshly and usually publicly

the union organizers assailed the chemical company for failing to provide a safe working environment

Synonyms of assail

abuse, attack, bash, belabor, blast, castigate, excoriate, jump (on), lambaste (or lambast), potshot, savage, scathe, slam, trash, vituperate

Words Related to assail

berate, harangue, harass, harry, revile, scold, whip

blaspheme, curse, execrate, imprecate, profane

affront, insult, slur

asperse, bad-mouth, belittle, blackguard, disparage, put down

libel, slander, traduce, vilify

chastise, chide, criticize, lace (into), rebuke, reprimand, reproof

fulminate, lash (out)

Phrases Synonymous with assail

beat up on, light into, sail into, tie into

Near Antonyms of assail

acclaim, commend, compliment, hail, laud, praise

2 to take sudden, violent action against

the small birds assailed the larger one that had threatened their nest

Synonyms of assail

assault, attack, beset, bushwhack, charge, descend (on or upon), go in (on), jump (on), pounce (on or upon), raid, rush, set on, sic (also sick), storm, strike, trash, turn (on)

Words Related to assail

bum-rush, gang up (on), mob, swarm

ambuscade, ambush, surprise (also surprize), waylay

blitz, bomb, bombard, nuke

barrage, cannon, cannonade

bang away (at), batter, buffet, plaster

beleaguer, besiege, press

harry, loot, pillage, plunder, ravage, sack

foray, invade, overrun

Phrases Synonymous with assail

beat up on, fly at, go at, light into, pitch into, round on, set at, set upon, tear into

Near Antonyms of assail

cover, defend, guard, protect, secure, shield