An attack or violent onset, whether by an individual, a company, or an army. An assault by private persons may be made with or without weapons. As assault by an army is a violent hostile attack; and when made upon a fort or fortified place is called a storm, as opposed to sap or siege.

An attack by hostile words or measures; as, an assault upon the prerogatives of a= prince, or upon a constitution of government.

In Law, an unlawful setting upon one’s person; an attempt or offer to beat another, without touching his person; as by lifting the fist or a cane, in a threatening manner. If the blow aimed takes effect, it is a battery .

To attack or fall upon by violence, or with a hostile intention; as, to assault a man, a house or town.

To invade or fall on with force; as, the cry of war assaults our ears.

To attack by words, arguments or unfriendly measures, with a view to shake, impair or overthrow; as, to assault a character, the laws or the administration.