Assail

1. verb

   launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with

   “Hitler attacked Poland on September 1, 1939 and started World War II”

   Similar: attack

2. verb

   attack someone physically or emotionally

   “The mugger assaulted the woman”

   Similar: assault, set on, attack

3. verb

   attack in speech or writing

   “The editors of the left-leaning paper attacked the new House Speaker”

   Similar: attack, round, lash out, snipe, assault