assert

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to forcefully claim something to be true

   The letter asserts a free society.

2. 2
   verb

   to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true

   The defendent asserted their alibi in court.

3. 3
   verb

   to state categorically

   I asserted my beliefs clearly.

4. 4
   verb

   to insist on having one's opinions and rights recognized

   You should assert yourself more!

5. 5
   verb

   To declare with assurance or plainly and strongly; to state positively.

   Numerous experimental tests and other observations have been offered in favor of animal mind reading, and although many scientists are skeptical, others assert that humans are not the only species capable of representing what others do and don’t perceive and know.

6. 6
   verb

   To use or exercise and thereby prove the existence of.

   to assert one's authority

7. 7
   verb

   To maintain or defend, as a cause or a claim, by words or measures; to vindicate a claim or title to.

   to assert our rights and liberties

8. 8
   verb

   To insist on the legitimacy of one's rights, opinion, etc; not to allow oneself to be dismissed; to ensure that one is taken into consideration; to make oneself respected; to be assertive. See assert oneself.

   Since going to therapy, I've found it much easier to assert myself.

Etymology

From Latin assertus, perfect passive participle of asserō (“declare someone free or a slave by laying hands upon him; hence free from, protect, defend; lay claim to, assert, declare”), from ad (“to”) + serō (“join, range in a row”).