as·sail /əˈseɪl/ verb [transitiveT] formal2 if a strong smell or loud sound assails you, you suddenly experience it 〔强烈的气味或巨响〕刺激The smell of rotten meat assailed her nostrils. 腐肉的气味向她扑鼻而来。
3. ATTACKto attack someone or something violently 猛烈攻击,袭击
4 to criticize someone or something severely 抨击nThe press assailed the proposals.
5assail sb for sthHe was assailed for gross misconduct.他因严重渎职而受到抨击。