assail

/ə-ˈsāl/

Middle English, from Anglo-French assaillir, from Vulgar Latin *assalire, alteration of Latin assilire to leap upon, from ad- + salire to leap

verb

  1. to attack violently : assault

  2. to encounter, undertake, or confront energetically

  3. to oppose, challenge, or criticize harshly and forcefully

The military has for years been developing offensive capabilities, giving it the power not just to defend the US but to assail its foes.

attack assail assault bombard storm mean to make an onslaught upon. attack implies taking the initiative in a struggle. assail implies attempting to break down resistance by repeated blows or shots.