Definition of assert
assert oneself
: to speak or act in a manner that compels recognition especially of one's rights … she wants him to learn to assert himself with people in positions of authority. — Malcolm Gladwell
From the M-W Editors
Examples of assert in a Sentence
He asserted that there were spies in the government.
She asserted her independence from her parents by getting her own apartment.
The boss was reluctant to assert his authority over his employees.
Recent Examples of assert from the Web
-
Abbott asserted the law won't change how law enforcement already works in Texas and would only subject criminals to questioning about their status and condemned opponents.
-
Invoking executive privilege can be a politically treacherous move, recalling past scandals like Watergate, in which President Richard M. Nixon asserted the power in efforts to block congressional investigations.
-
The distorted phone call to Hammerschmidt asserting that Doug killed Zoe came before the Underwoods’ dinner talk.
-
Unlike the better-known no-contest plea, in which a defendant accepts a conviction without admitting guilt, the Alford plea lets a defendant actually assert his innocence for the record.
-
Flynn, who previously asserted a Fifth Amendment right not to turn over documents or testify, is preparing to offer some documents in separate negotiations with the Senate Intelligence Committee, a person familiar with the matter said Tuesday.
-
The Cabinet session was the latest example of posturing by Netanyahu, who is under pressure from religious nationalist politicians to be more proactive in asserting Israeli sovereignty in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
-
Put it all together, though, and the sense emerges of a president aggressively, if somewhat awkwardly, trying to assert himself on the world stage — with mixed success depending on his audience.
-
Trump has threatened to deny federal funding to communities that assert sanctuary city status.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'assert'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of assert
Latin assertus, past participle of asserere, from ad- + serere to join — more at series
Synonym Discussion of assert
synonyms see in addition maintain
ASSERT Defined for English Language Learners
assert
playDefinition of assert for English Language Learners
-
: to state (something) in a strong and definite way
-
: to demand that other people accept or respect (something)
ASSERT Defined for Kids
assert
playDefinition of assert for Students
asserted
;asserting
1 : to state clearly and strongly assert an opinion
2 : to make others aware of assert your independence
3 : to speak or act in a way that demands attention or recognition If you want people to listen, you have to assert yourself.
Law Dictionary
Learn More about assert
-
See words that rhyme with assert Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for assert Spanish Central: Translation of assert Nglish: Translation of assert for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of assert for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up assert? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!