assaultive

[uh-sawl-tiv]

adjective

1. tending or seeming to assault; physically aggressive.

   the assaultive behavior of the inmates; the assaultive manner of some rock bands.

Other Word Forms

• assaultively adverb
• assaultiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of assaultive¹

First recorded in 1950–55; assault + -ive

Example Sentences

Locked away in prison, Amanda has little sense of the assaultive coverage’s prevalence and scope.

From Salon

Some scenes are so natural as to seem improvised; others employ heavy tactics — an assaultive sound design, flash cuts — to evoke the pressure Amanda is under, from both the self-satisfied authorities and a hectoring press.

From Los Angeles Times

According to the sheriff’s office, the male who was still armed with the machete “continued to behave erratic and assaultive” toward the deputies and a deputy-involved shooting occurred.

From Los Angeles Times

Weston, who was a Boeing employee, was on the grounds for about five hours and “repeatedly engaged in disruptive, destructive, and assaultive behavior,” according to the sentencing memorandum.

From Seattle Times

“Most importantly, there are already laws on the books to address assaultive conduct.”

From Seattle Times