Definition of assist

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< Assisi

assistance >

as·sist    (-sst) KEY 

VERB:
as·sist·ed, as·sist·ing, as·sists
VERB:
tr.

To give help or support to, especially as a subordinate or supplement; aid: The clerk assisted the judge by looking up related precedents. Her breathing was assisted by a respirator.

VERB:
intr.

1. To give aid or support. See Synonyms at help.
2. To be present, as at a conference.

NOUN:

1. An act of giving aid; help.
2. Sports
   1. A fielding and throwing of a baseball in such a way that enables a teammate to put out a runner.
   2. A pass, as in basketball or ice hockey, that enables the receiver to score a goal.
   3. Official credit that is given for such a pass.
3. A mechanical device providing aid.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English assisten, from Old French assister, from Latin assistere : ad-, ad- + sistere, to stand; see st- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
as·sister(Noun)