assail vs criticize

assail and criticize both are verbs.

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

As verbs, criticize is a hypernym of assail; that is, criticize is a word with a broader meaning than assail:

assail: attack in speech or writing
criticize: find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws

Other hypernyms of assail include criticise, knock, pick apart.

assail (verb)	criticize (verb)
attack in speech or writing	find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws
attack someone physically or emotionally	act as a critic
launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with