verbal assault
A "verbal assault" involves using language to harm, intimidate, or demean another person, often leading to emotional distress or fear.
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Definition
B2General Communication
(informal)Using words to harm, insult, or demean someone.
Example
- She felt deeply hurt by his verbal assault during their argument.
C1Psychology
(technical, academic)A form of emotional abuse where words are used to intimidate, belittle, or manipulate another person.
Example
- Verbal assault can lead to long-term emotional trauma.
C1Law
(legal, formal)Oral or written communication intended to create fear of physical harm.
Example
- The defendant was charged with verbal assault for making threats.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "verbal assault":
verbal humiliationverbal communicationassault weapontextual harassment