bombard

/ˈbäm-ˌbärd/

Middle English bombard, bumbard, borrowed from Middle French bombarde, probably from an onomatopoeic base bomb- + -arde -ard

noun

  1. a late medieval cannon used to hurl large stones

verb

  1. to attack especially with artillery or bombers

  2. to assail vigorously or persistently (as with questions)

  3. to subject to the impact of rapidly moving particles (such as electrons)

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.