Final answer:
An assault is an unlawful attempt to cause a violent injury on another person, without the need for actual physical contact.
Step-by-step explanation:
An assault is an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent injury on the person of another. It involves intentionally causing apprehension of harmful or offensive contact. Unlike battery, assault does not require actual physical contact. For example, if someone raises their fist and threatens to punch another person, that could be considered an assault. It is important to note that assault is a criminal offense and is punishable by law.