assert

Universal Words verb 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.