1 to state clearly and firmly that sth is true:
[Vthat] She continued to assert that she was innocent. * [VN] She continued to assert her innocence. * The German Chancellor was anxious to assert his government's commitment to further European unity. * [Vspeech] 'That is wrong,' he asserted. * [VNthat] It is commonly asserted that older people prefer to receive care from family members.
2 [VN] ~ yourself to behave in a confident and determined way so that other people pay attention to your opinions:
You're too timid-you must try to assert yourself more.
3 [VN] to make other people recognize your right or authority to do sth, by behaving firmly and confidently:
to assert your independence / rights * I was determined to assert my authority from the beginning.
4 [VN] ~ itself to start to have an effect:
Good sense asserted itself.
