I. əˈses, (ˈ)a|ses transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Middle English assessen, probably from Medieval Latin assessus, past participle of assidēre, from Latin, to sit beside, assist in the office of judge — more at assize
1. : to determine the rate or amount of (as a tax, charge, or fine)
assess damages after an accident
2.
a. : to determine the amount of and impose (as a tax, charge, or fine) according to an established rate or apportionment
the tax to be assessed upon all retail sales
b. : to subject to a tax, charge, or levy so determined
each member will be assessed $25
3. : to make an official valuation or estimate of (property) especially for the purposes of taxation
4. : to analyze critically and judge definitively the nature, significance, status, or merit of : determine the importance, size, or value of
assess men as leaders
properly assessing the financial needs of individual students — J.B.Conant
Synonyms: see estimate
II. transitive verb
: to charge (a player or team) with a foul or penalty