Meaning

• A violent onset or attack with physical means, for example blows, weapons, etc.

  "to make assault upon a man, a house, or a town"

• A violent onset or attack with moral weapons, for example words, arguments, appeals, and the like

  "to make an assault on the prerogatives of a prince, or on the constitution of a government"

• An attempt to commit battery: a violent attempt, or willful effort with force or violence, to do hurt to another, but without necessarily touching his person, as by lifting a fist in a threatening manner, or by striking at him and missing him.

• The crime whose action is such an attempt.

• An act that causes someone to apprehend imminent bodily harm.

• The tort whose action is such an act.

• A non-competitive combat between two fencers.

Meaning

• To attack, physically or figuratively.

  "Loud music assaulted our ears as we entered the building."

• To threaten or harass.