Meaning & Definition
verb
To state or express firmly.
The lawyer will assert her client's innocence in court.
To maintain or defend a position or claim.
He tried to assert his authority as the team leader.
To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
The scientist asserted that her research was groundbreaking.
To demonstrate or affirm the existence or presence of something.
She needed to assert her independence from her parents.
Etymology
From Latin 'assertus', past participle of 'asserere', meaning 'to claim, to maintain'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
assert one's rights:
To claim or defend one's legal entitlements.
assert oneself:
To take action to make one's wishes known or to take control of a situation.
assert a position:
To state or uphold a certain viewpoint in discussions or arguments.
Slang Meanings
To back up one's claims.
If you say that, you'd better assert it.
To stand one's ground in an argument.
She really asserted her point during the debate.