The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word ASSAILED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
A
S
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A
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D
More clues leading to the result ASSAILED
- Fool suffered, getting criticised strongly
- Attacked after broadcast, alas, is duke out of the country?
- Idiot was troubled, being attacked
- Attacked since corruption of ideals
- Said sale was fixed and became aggressive
- Said sale is fixed and charged
- Idiot Delia got up and attacked
- Attacked when put to sea
- Attacked as directed at sea, a ship wasn’t in good shape
- Attacked a ship that's distressed
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "criticised strongly" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case criticised strongly = assailed.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ASSAILED mean?
ASSAILED verb- To attack with harsh words or violent force (also figuratively).