Final answer:
Assault in the fourth degree (RCW 9A.36.041) is a gross misdemeanor in Washington State, referring to intentional harmful or offensive contact with another person or instilling fear of such contact.
Step-by-step explanation:
Assault in the fourth degree (RCW 9A.36.041) is a classification of assault recognized within Washington State law. It typically refers to an assault that does not involve significant bodily harm or aggravating factors which would elevate the crime to a more serious assault charge. Assault in the fourth degree is considered a gross misdemeanor in Washington State. In legal terms, it usually indicates the intentional touching of another person that is harmful or offensive, or an act with criminal intent that creates fear of such contact in the other person. Moreover, the law differentiates between assaults committed without the intent to inflict bodily harm and those with specific factors or targets, such as attacks against certain protected classes of workers or family members, which could lead to different classifications or penalties.