assailants

Those who strike

Assailants are people who attack others.

The word typically appears in news reports and legal contexts describing violent crimes: The victim was unable to identify her assailants.

Unlike attacker, assailant carries a formal, quasi-legal tone and almost always refers to physical violence rather than verbal criticism.

perpetrators

attackers

Those launching offensive action

muggersViolent street robbers
robbersThose who steal forcibly
thievesThose who commit larceny

bandits · raiders · intruders · burglars · hijackers · kidnappers · gangsters · criminals · felons · hoodlums

aggression

aggressors

Initiators of hostility

antagonistsOpponents in conflict
provocateursThose who incite discord
combatantsThose engaged in warfare

belligerents · adversaries · hostiles · bullies · intimidators · predators · stalkers · pursuers · tormentors · harassers

threat

menaces

Endangers or intimidates

dangersSources of potential harm
enemiesHostile opposing parties
foesHostile opponents

opponents · invaders · infiltrators · trespassers · ambushers · bushwhackers

violence

batterers

Those who repeatedly strike

beatersTools for mixing
brutalizersThose who harm viciously
maulersThose who rough up

stabbers · shooters · bombers · arsonists · brawlers · rioters · thugs · goons · enforcers · hitmen

Categories

enemiesenemy, foe, foes, adversary, nemesis
thugsthugs, goons, heavies, toughs, brutes

Opposites

aggressive vs. protective role

assailantsdefenders

Those who shield others

protectors · guardians · rescuers · bodyguards · saviors

hostile vs. supportive relationship

assailantsallies

Cooperative partners united together

supporters · friends · helpers · benefactors · advocates

perpetrator vs. victim role

assailantsvictims

Those who suffer harm

targets · prey · sufferers

Family

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG