assert

[ uh-surt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to state with assurance, confidence, or force; state strongly or positively; affirm; aver:

   He asserted his innocence of the crime.

   Synonyms: maintain, avow, asseverate

   Antonyms: deny

2. to maintain or defend (claims, rights, etc.).

   Synonyms: support, uphold

3. to state as having existence; affirm; postulate:

   to assert a first cause as necessary.

assert

/ əˈsɜːt /

verb

1. to insist upon (rights, claims, etc)
2. may take a clause as object to state to be true; declare categorically
3. to put (oneself) forward in an insistent manner

Derived Forms

• asˈserter, noun
• asˈsertible, adjective

Other Words From

• as·serter as·sertor noun
• as·serti·ble adjective
• misas·sert verb (used with object)
• over·as·sert verb (used with object)
• preas·sert verb (used with object)
• reas·sert verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of assert¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin assertus “joined to, defended, claimed,” past participle of asserere “to join to, defend,” from as- as- + serere “to connect” ( series )

Word History and Origins

Origin of assert¹

C17: from Latin asserere to join to oneself, from serere to join

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. assert oneself, to insist on one's rights, declare one's views forcefully, etc.:

   The candidate finally asserted himself about property taxes.

Synonym Study

See declare. See maintain.

Example Sentences

Trump kicked off the election denial portion of the wide-ranging interview by saying he didn't want to talk about it, before asserting that he won in 2020.

From Salon

By sending thousands of troops to shore up President Assad in 2015, one of Russia's key objectives had been to assert itself as a global power.

From BBC

Prosecutors asserted that Schewe “was aware that his conduct was dangerous to human life and that he acted in reckless disregard for life by selling fentanyl.”

From Los Angeles Times

Syrian government officials and supporters were still asserting the army would hold the line at Hama, even as insurgent fighters were entering the city.

From BBC

McGregor's lawyer rejected the application, saying that the court does not have a wide discretion, as asserted by Ms Hand's lawyer, to award costs.

From BBC

Related Words

• affirm
• allege
• argue
• cite
• claim
• contend
• defend
• proclaim
• profess
• say
• stress
• uphold