assail
/əˈseɪl/
Group 24Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To make a concerted or violent attack on; to criticize strongly GRE
Example in Context
Opposition lawmakers assailed the budget proposal from every angle, calling it fiscally irresponsible and socially regressive.
Synonyms
attackassaultbombard
Etymology
To jump at someone or something with force.
- ad- (Latin) — to
- salire (Latin) — to jump
Memory Aid
🛍️Sounds like “a sale”
During a crazy A SALE, shoppers ASSAIL the store like a stampede!
Visual Association
🏃♂️A mob of shoppers rushing into a store, diving for bargains like a herd of wild animals.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “assail” mean on the GRE?
assail (verb) means “To make a concerted or violent attack on; to criticize strongly”. Opposition lawmakers assailed the budget proposal from every angle, calling it fiscally irresponsible and socially regressive.
How to remember “assail” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “assail” sounds like “a sale”. During a crazy A SALE, shoppers ASSAIL the store like a stampede!
What are synonyms for “assail”?
Common synonyms: attack, assault, bombard.