criminal assault

American  

noun

Law.

1. an attack by physical force on a person for which the attacker is liable to criminal prosecution.

2. a similar act with intent to commit rape.

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Example Sentences

However, Qatar reacted with fury, saying the strike was a "criminal assault" that constituted a "blatant violation of all international laws and norms".

From BBC • Sep. 30, 2025

An investigator’s log shows an entry three months after the statute of limitations expired, noting that time had run out and that a commander was requesting a criminal assault investigation against Kim.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 1, 2022

As it was, County Attorney Mark Walk reviewed the case and said while the behavior was inappropriate he felt it wasn’t perceived as serious enough by the recipient to warrant criminal assault charges.

From Washington Times • Mar. 21, 2016

The Governor’s office has made no attempt to conceal its interest in determining that Mr. Johnson did not commit a criminal assault or otherwise violate any protection orders, as well they should.

From New York Times • Feb. 25, 2010

It will be observed that in these five noteworthy occurrences, in only one case was there any question of criminal assault.

From A Social History of the American Negro Being a History of the Negro Problem in the United States. Including A History and Study of the Republic of Liberia by Brawley, Benjamin Griffith