assistance

noun

as·​sis·​tance ə-ˈsi-stən(t)s 

: the act of helping or assisting someone or the help supplied : aid

financial and technical assistance

Can I be of any assistance? [=can I help you?]

Synonyms

• abetment
• aid
• assist
• backing
• boost
• hand
• help
• helping hand
• leg up
• lift
• support

Examples of assistance in a Sentence

Any assistance you can give me would be appreciated.

I'll be happy to provide you with whatever assistance you may need.

Recent Examples on the Web

Individual states may have additional requirements, so contact your state’s driver’s licensing agency online or in person for additional information or assistance. —Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025

Figures from a new report show that more people were prosecuted around Europe in 2024 for rendering assistance to irregular migrants than in previous years. —Frey Lindsay, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

The treaty, signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, requires the countries to use all available means to provide immediate military assistance if either is attacked. —Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday that Russia could provide military assistance to North Korea if necessary in accordance with the defense treaty, Russian state media reported. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English assistence, assistance, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin assistentia "presence, participation, guidance," going back to Late Latin, "aid," noun derivative of Latin assistent-, assistens, present participle of assistere "to take up a position near, stand by, stand by as a supporter or advocate" — more at assist entry 1

Note: In the case of both this word and assistant Modern English has chosen the French form with -a- in the suffix rather than Latin -e-.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing assistance

• come to someone's assistance
• directory assistance
• go on public assistance
• of (any) assistance
• public assistance
• writ of assistance

Rhymes for assistance

• consistence
• desistance
• existence
• insistence
• persistence
• resistance
• subsistence
• coexistence
• nonexistence
• distance
• magnetoresistance

Kids Definition

assistance

noun

as·​sis·​tance ə-ˈsis-tən(t)s 

: the act of assisting

also : the help given