Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.
Check the workbook
Assail
To attack violently with force or to attack someone verbally with strong, critical language.
verbCheck this word before you leave
Pick the meaning. Keys A–D work too.
How well do you know this word now?
Your choice schedules the next review.
💡
Imagine This
Two colorful birds interacting in a vibrant marketplace, one presenting a gift to the other, symbolizing a lively discussion about value and fairness.
🔊
Sounds Like
uh-SAYL
👀
Looks Like
A sail
📝
Remember This
We should strive to be friends, not enemies. We should refrain from using force or words to attack others.
📚
Other Forms
assailsverb
assailedverb
assailingverb
assailantnoun
assailmentnoun
🔗
Connect With
attack, assault, harass, beset
📌
Note
Use assail for aggressive attacks or criticisms. It can describe physical assault or verbal attacks (questions, accusations, criticism). Not to be confused with assault (the noun) or assailable (easily attacked).
🧠
Study Deeper
Examples
- The lawyer assailed the witness with a barrage of questions.
- Critics assailed the proposal as reckless and ill-conceived.
Synonyms
attackassaultharassbesetbombard
Antonyms
defendprotectpacify
Etymology
From Old French assaillir 'to attack'.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: ASSAIL reminds you to Attack Swiftly and Speak Aggressively—Attack, Speak, Assault, Insist, Loudly.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Jettison
verbTo throw goods overboard to lighten a ship; to discard or abandon something unnecessary.
Collaborative
adjectiveRelating to or accomplished through collaboration; involving two or more people or groups working together toward a shared goal.
Despot
nounAn absolute ruler who wields unrestricted power; a tyrant.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
Study beyond this word
Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan
Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.
First-time test takers
Official SAT Guide
Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.
Check the official guidePaid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.