- to attack vigorously or violently; assault.
- to attack with arguments, criticism, ridicule, abuse, etc.: to assail one's opponent with slander.
- to undertake with the purpose of mastering: He assailed his studies with new determination.
- to impinge upon; make an impact on; beset: His mind was assailed by conflicting arguments. The light assailed their eyes.
- to attack violently; assault
- to criticize or ridicule vehemently, as in argument
- to beset or disturb
- to encounter with the intention of mastering
