Assault vs. battery

What does assault mean?

Assault can be a verb or a noun which means a physical or verbal attack. As a noun, assault can also mean a concerted attempt to do something difficult. Legally, assault refers to the threat or attempt of causing violence.

For example:

·      She was charged with assault (physical attack).

·      This is an assault on our values (verbal attack).

·      Despite objections, she attempted an off-season assault on the mountain (attempt to do something difficult).

What does battery mean?

Battery refers to unlawful physical force against another person.

For example:

·      She was charged with battery.

What’s the difference between assault and battery?

For a general audience, assault and battery have the same meaning. While this may vary depending on your country of residence, typically battery involves physically touching someone, while assault doesn’t and instead refers to the threat of violence. In some jurisdictions, this distinction between assault and battery no longer applies.

For example:

·      Most cases of battery involve assault.