Onslaught — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈän-ˌslȯt/ on·slaught

Meaning & Definition of Onslaught

Onslaught (noun)

  1. an especially fierce attack; also, something resembling such an attack

Onslaught (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the act or action of setting upon with force or violence

    "the massive onslaught of enemy troops caught the country by surprise"

    similar: aggression, assault, attack, attempt, blitz, blitzkrieg, charge, coup de main, descent, offense, offensive, onset, raid, rush, strike
    related: ambuscade, ambush, counteraggression, counterassault, counterattack, counteroffensive, counterstrike, sally, sortie, envelopment, flanking, breakthrough, foray, incursion, invasion, pillage, ravage, sack, air raid, bombardment, bombing, siege, storm, barrage, cannonade, fusillade, hail, salvo, volley, whammy
    near: defense, defensive, guard, shield, opposition, resistance, protection, security, shelter

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Onslaught

The most common words with a similar meaning to Onslaught:

aggression, assault, attack, attempt, blitz, blitzkrieg, charge, coup de main, descent, offense, offensive, onset, raid, rush, strike

Related Words for Onslaught

ambuscade, ambush, counteraggression, counterassault, counterattack, counteroffensive, counterstrike, sally, sortie, envelopment, flanking, breakthrough, foray, incursion, invasion, pillage, ravage, sack, air raid, bombardment, bombing, siege, storm, barrage, cannonade, fusillade, hail, salvo, volley, whammy

Near Antonyms of Onslaught

defense, defensive, guard, shield, opposition, resistance, protection, security, shelter

Origin & Etymology of Onslaught

modification of Dutch aanslag act of striking; akin to Old English an on and to Old English slēan to strike slay

First known use: circa 1625

Frequently Asked Questions about Onslaught

What does "Onslaught" mean?

"Onslaught" means an especially fierce attack; also, something resembling such an attack. As a noun, it is defined as: an especially fierce attack; also, something resembling such an attack.

What is another word for "Onslaught"?

Other words for "Onslaught" include aggression, assault, attack, attempt, blitz, blitzkrieg, charge and coup de main. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Onslaught" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Onslaught"?

There are 45 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Onslaught". Common alternatives include aggression, assault, attack, attempt, blitz, blitzkrieg, charge, coup de main, descent and offense.

How do you use "Onslaught" in a sentence?

Examples of "Onslaught" in a sentence: "the massive onslaught of enemy troops caught the country by surprise".

Is "Onslaught" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Onslaught" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Onslaught"?

"Onslaught" is pronounced /ˈän-ˌslȯt/ and divided into syllables as on·slaught.

What is the origin of the word "Onslaught"?

"Onslaught" comes from modification of Dutch aanslag act of striking; akin to Old English an on and to Old English slēan to strike slay. First known use: circa 1625.

What is another word for "Onslaught" meaning "the act or action of setting upon with force or violence"?

When "Onslaught" (noun) means the act or action of setting upon with force or violence, synonyms include aggression, assault, attack, attempt, blitz and blitzkrieg.