onslaught

noun

on·​slaught ˈän-ˌslȯt How to pronounce onslaught (audio)
ˈȯn-
: an especially fierce attack
the tremendous onslaught across the RhineSir Winston Churchill
also : something resembling such an attack
an onslaught of technological changes
Employers are expecting an onslaught of recent college graduates.

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 The district’s hospital system, which had withstood the onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic, began to teeter. Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2024 Along with the absence of Prince Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, following their decision to step back from their royal roles in 2020, the current onslaught of issues feels unprecedented. Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 The Wildcats killed a five-minute penalty with Linehan registering eight saves during the onslaught. Jim Hoehn, Twin Cities, 29 Feb. 2024 We’re better served working toward a world where survivors feel comfortable coming forward and monsters don’t get to loom for so long that their onslaught necessitates documentaries. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 29 Feb. 2024 Ever since the unfortunate onslaught of anti-Asian hate, there’s always one in my purse or backpack. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2024 For most of her presidential campaign, Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina and former United Nations ambassador, has been spared the full onslaught from former President Donald J. Trump’s devoted following of internet trolls. Ken Bensinger, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2024 Several people in Northern California were killed in the onslaught. Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2024 The 41-page complaint, filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, alleges Jewish and Israeli students have been subjected to an onslaught of antisemitic and anti-Israeli hate since shortly after an attack on Israeli settlers was led by Hamas on Oct. 7. Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'onslaught.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of onslaught was circa 1625

Dictionary Entries Near onslaught

Cite this Entry

“Onslaught.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onslaught. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

onslaught

noun
on·​slaught ˈän-ˌslȯt How to pronounce onslaught (audio)
ˈȯn-
: a violent attack

More from Merriam-Webster on onslaught

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