assistance
Americannoun
noun
-
help; support
-
the act of assisting
-
informal See national assistance
Other Word Forms
- reassistance noun
Etymology
Origin of assistance
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English assistence, from Medieval Latin assistentia; assist + -ance
Explanation
If you see a blind man having trouble crossing the street, offer him some assistance. Lending a hand is just one way of providing assistance. Assistance is a noun that means to help or aid. It's the noun form for the verb to assist. Homes for the elderly are sometimes called "assisted living facilities" because they provide assistance to older folks who might need assistance getting in and out of bed, or feeding themselves. If you're in a store and no one is helping you, call a manager and ask for assistance. However, if you like to shop, you probably won't need any assistance spending money.
Vocabulary lists containing assistance
List 5
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
List 3
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Typically, a blockade does not mean a complete shutdown, but rather a disruption to the flow of imports and exports,” said Tim Meehan, security director for assistance in the Americas at International SOS.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026
The plea for assistance from the Lakers' legendary general manager Jerry West altered the Scotsman's trajectory in an instant.
From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026
“Thank you for your continued patience and assistance in bringing this matter to a close,” Dymally wrote.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026
The average cost of regular gas in Santa Fe has risen from about $2.90 a gallon a year ago to just over $4, according to AAA, the roadside assistance company.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026
If the soldiers came to question him, he would say only that two strangers in need of medical assistance stopped briefly at his farm.
From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
