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Assault is typically defined in the legal context as an intentional act that causes another person to fear imminent harmful or offensive contact. In this scenario, using threatening words could indeed imply a deliberate intention to instill fear in someone, which is a critical factor in the definition of assault.

While options regarding physical contact and negligence also deal with similar themes of personal boundaries and rights, they do not fit the specific legal definition of assault as closely as the use of threatening language does. Intentionally touching someone without permission is generally categorized as battery, which, while related, is a separate legal concept that focuses on the actual act of physical contact. Failing to execute a duty responsibly is more aligned with negligence or malpractice issues, and looking at medical records without permission pertains to privacy violations rather than assault. Therefore, the focus on the threatening words aligns best with the understanding of assault in legal terms, making it the most appropriate choice.