beset vs assail

beset and assail both are verbs.

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

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

Other hypernyms of beset include assault, attack, set on.

beset (verb)	assail (verb)
assail or attack on all sides:	attack in speech or writing
decorate or cover lavishly (as with gems)	attack someone physically or emotionally
annoy continually or chronically	launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with