List of 426 Sets of Synonyms - How they Differ - Total of 2307 Words - 26

SYNONYMS: attack, bombard, assail, storm, assault, beset.
These verbs mean to set upon, physically or figuratively.

Attack applies to offensive action, physical or verbal, and especially to the onset of planned aggression: The commandos attacked the outpost at dawn. The governor was attacked by the press for failing to keep a campaign promise.
Bombard suggests showering with bombs or shells (The fleet anchored in the bay and bombarded the town) or figuratively with words (The television star was bombarded with invitations).
Assail implies repeated attacks: an area assailed by enemy forces from both directions; a novel assailed by critics; a member of the jury assailed by doubts.
Storm refers to a sudden, sweeping attempt to achieve a victory: Some of the rebels were killed in the act of storming the citadel. After storming the country he stormed Capitol Hill.
Assault usually implies sudden, intense violence: Muggers often assault their victims on dark streets. Strobe lights assaulted my eyes.
Beset suggests belligerence from all sides by an enemy force or by adversity: The fox was beset by hunters and hounds. The city council is beset by problems.