/ əˈsɪstəns; NAmE / noun
[ U ] assistance (with sth) | assistance (in doing sth / to do sth) ( formal ) help or support :
technical / economic / military assistance
financial assistance for people on low incomes
Can I be of any assistance ?
Despite his cries, no one came to his assistance .
She offered me practical assistance with my research.
The company provides advice and assistance in finding work.
He can walk only with the assistance of crutches.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French , or from medieval Latin assistentia , from Latin assistere take one's stand by, from ad- to, at + sistere take one's stand.