assists; assisted; assisting
: to give support or help : to make it easier for someone to do something or for something to happen : help
The device assists those who can't climb stairs.
The President was assisted by his advisers.
The President was assisted with his speech. = The President was assisted in writing his speech.
She assisted the boy with his homework.
Another doctor assisted him with the operation.
Another doctor assisted with the operation.
Federal agents are assisting with the investigation.
She assisted in making the decision.
The cream assists in the prevention of skin cancer.
plural assists
1
US, somewhat informal
: an action that helps someone
—usually singular
He wrote the story with an assist from [=with the help/assistance of] his friend. [=his friend helped him to write the story]
2
sports
: an action (such as passing a ball or puck) that helps a teammate to score
He had 3 goals and 2 assists in the hockey game.
Cite this Entry
“Assist.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/assist. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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