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
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List 3
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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
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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.
Globalstar operates satellites of its own, providing links that allow users of Apple’s iPhone to text, call emergency assistance and seek roadside help in areas not covered by traditional cell service.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026
FSD is short for Full Self-Driving, Tesla’s driver assistance product that forms the basis of its robo-taxi technology.
From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026
“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
He gathered himself, feeling frustrated, then rested on the infield turf waiting for an athletic trainer to arrive to offer assistance.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026
This time she called directory assistance, which provided her with an address.
From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
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.
