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

Even with an onslaught of policy developments and fears of sticky inflation rocking the market in 2025, a healthy economy underpinning strong earnings growth has mostly helped traders shrug off their concerns. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025

But in the end, this new crop of talented Americans was too skilled, too deep and finally broke the game open with an onslaught of goals early in the third. —Michael Russo, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025

That onslaught quieted the very pro-Finland crowd full of Canadians eager to root against their country’s biggest hockey rival. —Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025

The Crusaders couldn’t stop the oncoming onslaught, and Mitty controlled the rest of the contest to cruise to a 71-50 win. —Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2025

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