onslaught

noun

on·​slaught ˈän-ˌslȯt 

ˈȯn-

: an especially fierce attack

the tremendous onslaught across the Rhine

—Sir Winston Churchill

also : something resembling such an attack

an onslaught of technological changes

Employers are expecting an onslaught of recent college graduates.

Synonyms

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

Examples of onslaught in a Sentence

an onslaught by the enemy

the massive onslaught of enemy troops caught the country by surprise

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of the same onslaught is common along the Venice Beach boardwalk and the nearby Santa Monica Pier, though L.A.’s vast horizontal sprawl helps isolate the masses from most locals, most of the time. —David Bloom, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

Osborn, a Navy veteran, mechanic and union leader, has received an onslaught of outside funding, forcing Republicans to redouble their efforts in a race that was thought to be an easy win. —Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2024

Its military onslaught on Gaza was as heavy-handed and shortsighted as the American campaign in Vietnam nearly 60 years ago. —Ari Shavit, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2024

The Israeli onslaught has killed hundreds, including Hezbollah fighters and commanders, but also numerous civilians. —Ibrahim Al-Marashi / Made By History, TIME, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1625, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

onslaught

noun

on·​slaught ˈän-ˌslȯt 

ˈȯn-

: a violent attack