assistance

[ uh-sis-tuhns ]

See synonyms for assistance on Thesaurus.com

noun

the act of assisting; help; aid; support.

Origin of assistance

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English assistence, from Medieval Latin assistentia; assist + -ance

Other words from assistance

re·as·sist·ance, noun

Words that may be confused with assistance

assistance , assistants

Words Nearby assistance

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use assistance in a sentence

It took a blow to the head from Clark and the assistance of three deputies to subdue her.
Dr. King Goes to Hollywood: The Flawed History of ‘Selma’ | Gary May | January 2, 2015 | THE DAILY BEAST
In 2011, only 27 percent of families living in poverty were receiving welfare assistance.
To GOP Congress, as Usual, It’s Welfare on the Chopping Block | Monica Potts | December 25, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The ISI came to the CIA for assistance in fostering a revolt that had developed in the Afghan countryside against Communist rule.
CIA Agents Assess: How Real Is ‘Homeland’? | Chuck Cogan, John MacGaffin | December 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
They provide their own assistance and we are grateful to them for this.
Ukraine Militias Warn of Anti-Kiev Coup | Jamie Dettmer | November 28, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
And thank you, USDA Cranberry Market Loss assistance Program, for the cranberry sauce.
Up to a Point: Thanks to the Biggest Turkey, Uncle Sam | P. J. O’Rourke | November 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

In the darkness and confusion I did not distinguish the face of the man who rendered me this assistance.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV. | Various
Thinking to escape and summon assistance from the cantonment, Douglas mounted the wall and leaped into the moat.
The Red Year | Louis Tracy
Two of the artillerymen who had not been injured came to his assistance, and again the gun was thundering forth its defiance.
The Courier of the Ozarks | Byron A. Dunn
Then he held down a hand to her, bade her set her foot on his, and called with an oath to Rabecque to lend her his assistance.
St. Martin's Summer | Rafael Sabatini
You are very kind, sir,” he said; “my companions and I shall feel deeply indebted to you for this opportune assistance.
Hunting the Lions | R.M. Ballantyne

British Dictionary definitions for assistance

assistance

/ (əˈsɪstəns) /

noun

help; support
the act of assisting

British informal See national assistance

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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