self-assertion
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of self-assertion
First recorded in 1795–1805
Explanation
A self-assertion is a boastful statement. "I am the greatest!" is a self-assertion. Self-assertion is great if you’re a boxer like Muhammad Ali, but usually annoying if you’re not. An assertion is an opinion like "The Yankees are the best." A self-assertion is a similar claim made about yourself. A low-level politician saying, "I will be President" is making a self-assertion. An athlete saying, "I will win the championship" is making a self-assertion. Self-assertions tend to be a little inconsiderate and arrogant, because self-assertions are usually a form of bragging. Someone who really feels confident probably wouldn't need to make a lot of self-assertions.
Vocabulary lists containing self-assertion
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.
Across the street, at a very on-theme pub called Frankenstein, we raised a pint to this act of self-assertion while watching an animatronic monster descend from the ceiling at 30-minute intervals.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 24, 2025
According to Bennett, there is some validity to this, with every Eurovision song falling under six broad lyrical themes: "love, unity, self-assertion, partying, history and songs about making music".
From BBC ● May 10, 2025
The songwriter Ileana Cabra, who records as iLe, sings about political and feminist self-assertion alongside songs about toxic and tempting romances.
From New York Times ● Nov. 30, 2022
With this film, Bustamante creates a Llorona full of self-assertion and intent, an indigenous woman assuredly facing the source of her pain.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2020
At times shaking my head no is more self-assertion than I can manage.
From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston
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.
