#wordoftheday

Assail

(v.) to attack; to assault

Henry braced himself as the storm assailed the coastline, rain hammering sideways against every window on the block. 🌊⛈️

“Assail” traces back to the Latin assilire—“ad-” (toward) + “salire” (to leap or jump)—literally meaning “to leap upon.”

It passed through Old French as assaillir before entering Middle English in the 13th century, keeping its original sense of a sudden, forceful attack. The word “assault” shares the same Latin root, which is why the two feel like close cousins in meaning.

Ominous

(adjective) giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen.

You know that feeling when the sky turns gray, the wind picks up, and everything suddenly feels a little … off? That’s what we call ominous—and it’s not just about the weather.

The ominous clouds rolled in just as Henry and Nan pitched their tents. ⛈️🏕️

“Ominous” comes from the Latin word omen—meaning a sign or warning. In ancient times, people believed signs from the gods could predict the future. A bird flying the wrong direction? An ominous sign. A spilled drink? Also ominous. Basically, everything was spooky if you looked hard enough.

In ancient times, people believed signs from the gods could predict the future.

A bird flying the wrong direction? An ominous sign.

A spilled drink? Also ominous.

Basically, everything was spooky if you looked hard enough. 😰