ClimateJuly 8, 2026

onslaught

/ˈɒn.slɔːt/

Definition

A vigorous and sustained series of aggressive actions, policies, or attacks intended to overcome or diminish something.

Etymology

Originating from Middle Dutch 'aenslacht' (meaning an attack or blow), the word entered English in the 17th century. It combines the roots for 'on' and 'slay' (or strike), capturing the sense of a heavy, forceful impact.

In the news

The article uses the word to describe the Trump administration's persistent and effective efforts to undermine and reduce the growth of the U.S. electric vehicle market. This highlights the scale of the government's opposition to specific clean energy sectors.

Trump promised to cut electric bills in half. His energy policy is doing the opposite, new analysis finds

Read the full article ↗

CNN

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.

Not for marketing. One email on launch day.