/
əˈseɪl/
v.
  - make a concerted or violent attack on.
 - (of an unpleasant feeling) come upon (someone) strongly.
 
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from OFr. asaill-, stressed stem of asalir, from med. L. assalire, from L. assilire, from ad- ‘to’ + salire ‘to leap’.