assailant

word

Definition

A person who attacks someone physically or violently, usually in a crime or fight.

Usage & Nuances

"Assailant" is formal and often used in news, police, or legal contexts to describe someone committing a physical attack. It doesn't specify the kind of weapon or motive. Common with words like "unknown assailant", "armed assailant", or "identify the assailant".

Example Sentences

The victim described the assailant to the police.

basic

No one saw where the assailant went after the incident.

natural

The assailant was masked and his identity remains unknown.

natural

The assailant escaped after the attack.

basic

The police are looking for the assailant.

basic

Witnesses say the assailant acted alone and left in a hurry.

natural