assert

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To state firmly that something is true.

   She asserted that she had never seen the man before.

2. 2
   verb

   To behave confidently so that your rights or opinions are respected.

   You need to assert yourself more in meetings.

3. 3
   verb

   To defend or claim something, such as a right, as belonging to you.

   The workers asserted their right to fair pay.

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”).

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