assails
Launches verbal strikes
Assails is the third-person singular of assail, meaning to attack vigorously or repeatedly.
The word applies to physical attacks but more often describes verbal or abstract onslaughts: Doubt assails her whenever she speaks publicly.
Critics assail policies; guilt assails the conscience.
The word carries more force than merely criticizing—it suggests sustained, aggressive pressure.
Aggressive hostile actions
- criticizesExpresses unfavorable judgment
- beratesScolds severely
- denouncesPublicly criticizes harshly
- lambastsSeverely scolds or criticizes
condemns · excoriates · castigates · vilifies · reproaches · rebukes · censures · blasts
Aggressive hostile actions
- strikesRefusals to work collectively
- beatsPulses or defeats
- battersMixtures before baking
- pummelsStrikes with repeated blows
bombards · storms · besieges · charges · rushes · onslaughts · blitzes · raids
Mass outbreaks of disease
- hauntsVisits often, or torments
- tormentsCauses severe distress
- troublesDistressing difficulties
- besetsTroubles persistently
afflicts · nags · gnaws · hounds · worries · disturbs · unsettles · vexes
attacks
Aggressive hostile actions
- criticizesExpresses unfavorable judgment
- beratesScolds severely
- denouncesPublicly criticizes harshly
lambasts · condemns · excoriates · castigates · vilifies · reproaches · rebukes · censures · blasts · slams
attacks
Aggressive hostile actions
pummels · bombards · storms · besieges · charges · rushes · onslaughts · blitzes · raids · ambushes
plagues
Mass outbreaks of disease
besets · afflicts · nags · gnaws · hounds · worries · disturbs · unsettles · vexes · agitates
overwhelms
Conquers by superior force
engulfs · washes over · hits · strikes · pervades · permeates · surrounds · envelops · penetrates · assaults
- criticismscriticizes, disparages, condemns, denounces, censures
assail, assailant, unassailable, assailable, assailed, assailants, assailing, assailer, unassailed