King James Bible Dictionary

ASSAULT', noun [Latin assulto, of ad and salto, to leap, formed on salio, or its root. See Assail. We have the same root in insult and result.]

1. 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.

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

3. 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.

ASSAULT', verb transitive

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

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

3. 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.

Laws concerning
Exodus 21:15; Exodus 21:18-19; Exodus 21:22-27; Deuteronomy 17:8-12; Matthew 5:38-39

The smiting of Jesus:

Prophecies of
Isaiah 50:6; Lamentations 3:30

The attacks upon
Matthew 26:67; Matthew 27:30; Mark 14:65; Luke 22:63; John 19:3
Stripes; Stoning

ASSAULT'ABLE, adjective That may be assaulted.

ASSAULT'ED, participle passive Attacked with force, arms, violence, or hostile views.

ASSAULT'ER, noun One who assaults, or violently attacks.

ASSAULT'ING, participle present tense Attacking with force, or with hostile measures.