The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Assault \As*sault"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Assaulted; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Assaulting.] [From Assault, n.: cf. OF. assaulter,
   LL. assaltare.]
   1. To make an assault upon, as by a sudden rush of armed men;
      to attack with unlawful or insulting physical violence or
      menaces.
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            Insnared, assaulted, overcome, led bound. --Milton.
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   2. To attack with moral means, or with a view of producing
      moral effects; to attack by words, arguments, or
      unfriendly measures; to assail; as, to assault a
      reputation or an administration.
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            Before the gates, the cries of babes newborn, . . .
            Assault his ears.                     --Dryden.
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   Note: In the latter sense, assail is more common.
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   Syn: To attack; assail; invade; encounter; storm; charge. See
        Attack.
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