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

Other Word Forms

• asserter noun
• assertible adjective
• assertor noun
• misassert verb (used with object)
• overassert verb (used with object)
• preassert verb (used with object)
• reassert 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

It allowed boss Unai Emery to relax after victory and assert with confidence that Watkins will end his drought.

From BBC

Using her powered wheelchair at school is "one way for her to assert her independence," Anna says.

From BBC

“Unhappy with the pace of the project, he chose to pursue private arbitration to assert his discontent,” Frid said.

From Los Angeles Times

“The economy is back on track,” the White House proclaimed last week, asserting that, among other metrics, “retail sales are booming” and inflation is falling.

From Los Angeles Times

Kennedy has long asserted that’s due to an external environmental cause, often using inaccurate statements to describe both the condition and the research around it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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