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assault

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verbal assault

Very hostile speech directed at someone. Don't talk to Stan today—I just tried to ask him a simple question, and I got a verbal assault. A: "Why are you crying?" B: "The professor gave me a verbal assault in the middle of my presentation."

See also: assault, verbal

assault and battery

A violent physical attack. Although "assault and battery" is an official legal charge, the phrase can also be used conversationally to describe any sort of physical attack, however serious. The thief that attacked my son in the parking lot has been charged with assault and battery. A: "Quit punching me! Help, this is assault and battery!" B: "Ah, you're such a wuss. Go cry to mom."

See also: and, assault, battery

assault the ear

To be loud and painful to listen to. I don't know how kids enjoy playing their music so loud—it just assaults the ear!

See also: assault, ear

assault and battery

a violent attack [upon someone] followed by a beating. (A technical legal charge.) Richard was charged with two counts of assault and battery. Dave does not go out at night because he does not want to be a victim of assault and battery.

See also: and, assault, battery

assault the ear

Fig. [for sound or speech] to be very loud or persistent. That loud music assaults the ears! I can't hear you with all that traffic noise assaulting my ears.

See also: assault, ear