onslaught etymology

Etymology

The word "onslaught" originates from the 14th-century Middle English word "on-slaght," which is a compound of:

  • On: Prefix meaning "upon," "against," or "forward"
  • Slaght: Old English word meaning "slaying," "battle," or "attack"

Meaning

  • A sudden, violent, and overwhelming attack
  • A forceful or concentrated expression of opposition or criticism
  • A massive or sustained assault or bombardment

Origin

The concept of an "onslaught" has been used throughout history to describe various forms of combat and confrontation. It is particularly associated with military battles and sieges, where armies engage in intense fighting with the objective of overpowering an enemy.

In literature and art, the term "onslaught" is often used to convey a sense of urgency, danger, or overwhelming force. Depictions of on onslaughts can be found in epic poems, historical accounts, and works of fiction.

Over time, the meaning of "onslaught" has broadened to encompass both physical attacks and metaphorical forms of opposition, such as criticism, slander, or political pressure.

onslaught relate terms

  • slaughter

    Etymology The word slaughter comes from the Old English word sleahter which means t

  • slay

    Etymology The word slay originates from the Old English word slean meaning to strik

  • slaught

    Etymology Old English sliht sleaht meaning blow stroke killing Proto Germanic

  • barrage

    Etymology The word barrage comes from the French word barrage which in turn derives

  • attack

    Etymology Middle English ataken from Old French atachier probably from Old High Germ

  • onset

    Etymology Latin onset noun onsetum adverb Origin ons start et adjec

  • brush

    Etymology and Meaning Brush derives from the Middle English word brusche which in tur

  • assault

    Etymology Assault is derived from the Old French assault meaning an attack which

  • access

    Etymology Latin accessus from accedere to approach come into contact with Proto It

  • toleration

    Etymology of Tolerance The word tolerance originates from the Latin word tolerare

  • fire

    Etymology The word fire comes from the Old English fīr which is ultimately derived

  • rife

    Etymology The word rife comes from the Middle English word rife which in turn comes

  • language

    Etymology The term etymology derives from the Greek word etymon meaning true sense