assert

verb as·sert \ə-ˈsərt, a-\

: to state (something) in a strong and definite way

: to demand that other people accept or respect (something)

Full Definition of ASSERT

transitive verb

: to state or declare positively and often forcefully or aggressively

a : to demonstrate the existence of <assert his manhood — James Joyce>

b : posit, postulate

— assert oneself

: to speak or act in a manner that compels recognition especially of one's rights

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Origin of ASSERT

Latin assertus, past participle of asserere, from ad- + serere to join — more at series

First Known Use: circa 1604

Related to ASSERT

Synonyms: affirm, aver, avouch, avow, declare, guarantee, lay down, profess

Antonyms: deny, gainsay

Synonym Discussion of ASSERT

assert, declare, affirm, protest, avow mean to state positively usually in anticipation of denial or objection. assert implies stating confidently without need for proof or regard for evidence <asserted that modern music is just noise>. declare stresses open or public statement <declared her support for the candidate>. affirm implies conviction based on evidence, experience, or faith <affirmed the existence of an afterlife>. protest emphasizes affirming in the face of denial or doubt <protested that he really had been misquoted>. avow stresses frank declaration and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for what is declared <avowed that all investors would be repaid in full>.

synonyms see in addition maintain