Dictionary
as•sert
Pronunciation: (u-sûrt'), [key]—
v.t.
1. to state with assurance, confidence, or force; state strongly or positively; affirm; aver:
He asserted his innocence of the crime.
2. to maintain or defend (claims, rights, etc.).
3. to state as having existence; affirm; postulate:
to assert a first cause as necessary.
4. assert oneself, to insist on one's rights, declare one's views forcefully, etc.:
The candidate finally asserted himself about property taxes. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.