Which sentence best describes assault?

The choice that best describes assault is focused on the key elements of the offense: applying force without permission and the act of threatening to apply force. Assault is legally defined not just by physical contact but also by the intention and perception of threat. The act of applying force must be done without the consent of the individual involved, making their permission critical in defining the act as assault.

Additionally, the element of threat is significant. Threatening to apply force creates a reasonable fear or apprehension in the victim, which is crucial to establishing the act as assault, even if no physical contact occurs. Therefore, this option clearly captures both aspects of assault, addressing the lack of consent and the element of threat, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes this offense.

In contrast, the other options introduce varying elements that either misinterpret the role of permission or redefine the parameters of force, leading to an incorrect definition of assault.