Definition

A person who attacks someone, often in a violent way.

Example

The police arrested the assailant after the attack.

Conversation

Did you hear about the incident downtown last night?

Yeah, I heard there was an assailant attacking people.

It's really scary to think someone would do that.

Absolutely, I hope they catch the assailant soon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Assailant → It is formed from "assail" (from Old French *assailir*, meaning to attack) and "-ant" (a suffix used to indicate a person who performs an action). The word "assailant" refers to a person who attacks or assaults another.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'attacking' ('assail') — the '-ant' means a person who does that action. An assailant is a person who attacks.

Visually Confused Words