assert

6 definitions • 11 examples

to behave in a way that expresses your confidence, importance, or power and earns you respect from others:

I really must assert myself more in meetings.

Don't be afraid to assert yourself and make your views clear.

Refusing to help with the housework was his way of asserting himself.

Things began to change when women asserted themselves politically.

Boarding school was a tough environment, and she quickly learned to assert herself.

to say that something is certainly true:

[ + that ] He asserts that she stole money from him.

to do something to show that you have power:

assert your authority She very rarely asserts her authority over the children.

assert your right Throughout the Cold War, the Allies asserted their right to move freely between the two Berlins.

to state an opinion or claim a right forcefully:

[ + that clause ] The companies have asserted that everything they did was appropriate.

To assert is also to behave in a way that shows power, authority, or control:

Several members of Congress called upon the president to assert leadership.

If you assert yourself, you act forcefully in a way that expresses your confidence:

You have to learn to speak up and assert yourself at meetings, or you’ll never get anywhere.