Whoever makes any gesture, or any preparation intending or knowing it to be likely that such gesture or preparation will cause any person present to apprehend that he who makes that gesture or preparation is about to use criminal force to that person, is said to commit an assault.
Explanation.-Mere words do not amount to an assault. But the words which a person uses may give to his gestures or preparation such a meaning as may make those gestures or preparations amount to an assault.
Illustrations
a A shakes his fist at Z, intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby cause Z to believe that A is about to strike Z. A has committed an assault.
b A begins to unloose the muzzle of a ferocious dog, intending or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby cause Z to believe that he is about to cause the dog to attack Z. A has committed an assault upon Z.
c A takes up a stick, saying to Z, "I will give you a beating". Here, though the words used by A could in no case amount to an assault, and though the mere gesture, unaccompanied by any other circumstances, might not amount to an assault,the gesture explained by the words may amount to an assault.
352 IPC Punishment for assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation
353 IPC Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty
354 IPC Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty
354A IPC Sexual harassment and punishment for sexual harassment
354B IPC Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe
356 IPC Assault or criminal force in attempt to commit theft of property carried by a person
357 IPC Assault or criminal force in attempt wrongfully to confine a person