assist

[ uh-sist ]

verb (used with object)

1. to give support or aid to; help:

   Please assist him in moving the furniture.

   Synonyms: promote, back, befriend, abet, sustain

   Antonyms: frustrate, hinder

2. to be associated with as an assistant or helper.

verb (used without object)

1. to give aid or help.
2. to be present, as at a meeting or ceremony.

noun

1. Sports.
   1. Baseball. a play that helps to put out a batter or base runner.
   2. Basketball, Ice Hockey. a play that helps a teammate in gaining a goal.
   3. the official credit scored for such plays.
2. a helpful act:

   She finished her homework without an assist from her father.

3. Machinery. an electrical, hydraulic, or mechanical means of increasing power, efficiency, or ease of use:

   a luxury automobile equipped with assists for brakes, steering, windows, and seat adjustment.

assist

/ əˈsɪst /

verb

1. to give help or support to (a person, cause, etc); aid
2. to work or act as an assistant or subordinate to (another)
3. ice hockey to help (a team-mate) to score, as by passing the puck
4. archaic.
   intrfoll byat to be present; attend

noun

1. the act of helping; aid; assistance
2. baseball the act of a player who throws or deflects a batted ball in such a way that a team is enabled to put out an opponent
3. sport
   1. a pass or other action by a player which enables another player to score a goal
   2. a credit given for such an action

Derived Forms

• asˈsister, noun

Other Words From

• as·sister Chiefly Law, as·sistor noun
• as·sistive adjective
• nonas·sister noun
• over·as·sist verb
• reas·sist verb (used with object)
• unas·sisted adjective
• unas·sisting adjective
• well-as·sisted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of assist¹

First recorded in 1505–15; from Latin assistere “to stand by, help,” from as- as- ( def ) + sistere “to cause to stand, stop,” derivative of stāre “to stand” ( stand ( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of assist¹

C15: from French assister to be present, from Latin assistere to stand by, from sistere to cause to stand, from stāre to stand

Synonym Study

See help.

Example Sentences

He added: "There may be times when section 10 entities reach conclusions which would assist the wider industry and help to assist both other trusts and commercial organisations."

From BBC

He responded with two goals and four assists in five games and when Paintsil returned, he agreed to play on the left.

From Los Angeles Times

The 24-year-old has been one of the standout players in the Women's Super League this season, scoring twice and assisting five in seven matches.

From BBC

Harden had 12 points and 16 assists, but was four for 15 from the field and two for six from three-point range.

From Los Angeles Times

"Can DOD assist? Because DOD can take a lot off our plate," he said, saying that the pace of deportations will depend on the resources agencies are given.

From BBC

Related Words

• aid
• back
• benefit
• boost
• cooperate
• expedite
• facilitate
• reinforce
• support
• sustain
• take care of