assail vs abuse

assail is not a noun while abuse is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
assail	No	No	Yes	No
abuse	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, abuse is a hyponym of assail; that is, abuse is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than assail:

assail (noun)	abuse (noun)
	improper or excessive use
	cruel or inhumane treatment
	a rude expression intended to offend or hurt

assail (verb)	abuse (verb)
attack in speech or writing	change the inherent purpose or function of something
attack someone physically or emotionally	use wrongly or improperly or excessively
launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with	use foul or abusive language towards
	treat badly