"assault" as noun
1 - A violent onset or attack with physical means, for example blows, weapons, etc.
2 - A violent onset or attack with moral weapons, for example words, arguments, appeals, and the like
3 - An attempt to commit battery: a violent attempt, or willful effort with force or violence, to do hurt to another, but without necessarily touching his person, as by lifting a fist in a threatening manner, or by striking at him and missing him.
"assault" as verb
1 - To attack, physically or figuratively.
2 - To threaten or harass.
