self-assertion

[ self-uh-sur-shuhn, self- ]

noun

1. insistence on or an expression of one's own importance, wishes, needs, opinions, or the like.

   Synonyms: aggressiveness, assertiveness, belligerence

self-assertion

noun

1. the act or an instance of putting forward one's own opinions, etc, esp in an aggressive or conceited manner

Derived Forms

• ˌself-asˈserting, adjective
• ˌself-asˈsertive, adjective
• ˌself-asˈsertingly, adverb
• ˌself-asˈsertiveness, noun
• ˌself-asˈsertively, adverb

Other Words From

• self-as·serting adjective
• self-as·serting·ly adverb
• self-as·sertive adjective
• self-as·sertive·ly adverb
• self-as·sertive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-assertion¹

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

This stark reality is made painfully real in the flashes of regret that cross Ali’s face and in the occasional bursts of defiant self-assertion that Fetchit, to his credit, doesn’t always walk back.

From Los Angeles Times

Some might say now is actually the season for self-assertion and creation of personal truths.

From Washington Post

“Some autobiographies double as acts of self-assertion, opportunities for the author not only to express her side of the story but also to display forgiveness, resilience, strength,” read a New Yorker review of the book.

From Seattle Times

They steep mischief and self-assertion — both sexual and cultural — in solutions of tender pathos.

From Washington Post

When given an ultimatum, Lilith chooses her freedom instead of a life of inequality, and endures God’s punishment of being cast in the waters for her self-assertion.

From New York Times