assaultive

American  

[uh-sawl-tiv] / əˈsɔl tɪv /

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

Etymology

Origin of assaultive

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 • Aug. 20, 2025

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 11, 2024

“I didn’t question it because I didn’t hear of any stories of him being physically assaultive with anybody,” said the social worker, who did not reveal any identifying information about the boy.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2023

“We told you to leave. We gave you time to leave. We were slow and methodical, yet you were assaultive and aggressive with officers,” police said in a statement.

From Slate • Feb. 19, 2022

Elsewhere, these gazes seem accusatory, assaultive, beseeching; here, most feel intimate and inviting, but also expansive.

From New York Times • Dec. 12, 2018