[as.sert] vt [L assertus, pp. of asserere, fr. ad- + serere to join--more at series] (ca. 1604) 1: to state or declare positively and often forcefully or aggressively
2. a: to demonstrate the existence of "~ his manhood --James Joyce" b: posit, postulate -- assert oneself : to compel recognition esp. of one's rights syn assert, declare, affirm, protest, avow mean to state positively usu. 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". syn see in addition maintain