assailant

[uh-sey-luhnt]

noun

1. a person who attacks.

adjective

1. Archaic.,  assailing; attacking; hostile.

assailant

/ əˈseɪlənt /

noun

1. a person who attacks another, either physically or verbally

   he was unable to recognize his assailants

Word History and Origins

Origin of assailant¹

From the Middle French word assaillant, dating back to 1525–35. See assail, -ant

Example Sentences

In July, an assailant injured a Japanese national in eastern China by throwing an object that appeared to be a rock.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The assailant was shot dead by British police but not before he stabbed and killed a man and tried to barge into the synagogue itself, where worshipers were hunkered down.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

And it was community volunteers and private security guards who held back the doors against the assailant, after he rammed the gates with a car and then attacked worshippers with a knife.

Read more on BBC

Woods alleged Caden did this to “continue the ruse,” adding that authorities believe, “There is zero chance that Caden’s gunshot wound came from any type of an assailant.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The alleged assailant was homeless and had mental health issues.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• aggressor 
• mugger