tr.v. as·sert·ed, as·sert·ing, as·serts Idiom: 1. To state or express positively; affirm: asserted his innocence. 2. To defend or maintain (one's rights, for example). 3. To put into action boldly; employ or demonstrate: asserted her independence. assert oneself To act boldly or forcefully, especially in defending one's rights or stating an opinion. [Latin asserere, assert- : ad-, ad- + serere, to join; see ser-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] as·serta·ble, as·serti·ble adj. as·serter, as·sertor n. |
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