Assail (verb)

1. Make a violent attack on (someone or something), typically with the object of capturing or destroying it.
2. Criticize or oppose (something) fiercely and relentlessly.

Origin:

Middle english, from old french asaillir, from vulgar latin *assaliare, alteration of latin assilire to jump upon, from ad- + salire to jump.

Examples:

1. The castle was assailed by the enemy for days before it finally fell.
2. Assail the government's economic policies.
3. The critics assailed the play as being poorly written.
4. Assail the proposal with logical arguments.
5. The wind and waves assailed the ship, threatening to sink it.