Added 9 October 2026
assert
/əˈsɜːt/ verb
In Latin: assevērō, affirmō Wiktionary
verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about assert at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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To declare with assurance or plainly and strongly; to state positively.
He would often assert that there was life on other planets.
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To use or exercise and thereby prove the existence of.
to assert one's authority
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To maintain or defend, as a cause or a claim, by words or measures; to vindicate a claim or title to.
to assert our rights and liberties
noun
Origin
From Latin assertus, perfect passive participle of asserō (“declare someone free or a slave by laying hands upon him; hence free from, protect, defend; lay claim to, assert, declare”), from ad (“to”) + serō (“join, range in a row”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)