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
• assertor noun
• assertible adjective
• 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

Hegseth, in his speech, asserted that the Pentagon had become a “woke department” and vowed to reassert a “war fighting” ethos.

From Salon

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, another far-right leader, asserted: "The attack on Hamas leaders, the planners of the 7 October massacre in the enemy state of Qatar - was an important, just and supremely moral attack."

From BBC

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

Related Words

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