assail
verb (used with object)
to attack vigorously or violently; assault.
were assailing
-
past progressiveof assail.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At the time, lawmakers were assailing the bank for opening millions of accounts without customers’ permission.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 20, 2017
Dick did not shake this Republican influence until he had fought with the Marines in World War I, returned to Yale, and become aroused by the way Republicans were assailing Woodrow Wilson's League of Nations.
From Time Magazine Archive
In several instances the mob, little aware whom they were assailing, compelled him to respond to the cry.
From Louis Philippe Makers of History Series by John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot) Abbott
The secret chambers of his mind were assailing him with things unspeakable.
From The Sailor by J. C. Snaith
To them belonged Sayap and the boys that were assailing Shyuote; and as the fugitive approached the slope, he saw it occupied by other youth ready and eager to give him a warm reception.
From The Delight Makers by Adolph Francis Alphonse Bandelier
