onslaught Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a sudden and severe onset of trouble
  2. noun (military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
    onset; attack; onrush.
    • the attack began at dawn
  3. noun the rapid and continuous delivery of linguistic communication (spoken or written)
    outpouring; barrage; bombardment.
    • a barrage of questions
    • a bombardment of mail complaining about his mistake

WordNet

On"slaught` noun
Etymology
OE. on on + slaught, slaht, slaughter. See Slaughter.
Definitions
  1. An attack; an onset; esp., a furious or murderous attack or assault.
    By storm and onslaught to proceed. Hudibras.
  2. A bloody fray or battle. Scot. Jamieson.

Webster 1913