assist Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
aid; assistance; help.
- he gave me an assist with the housework
- could not walk without assistance
- rescue party went to their aid
- offered his help in unloading
noun (sports) the act of enabling another player to make a good play
verb give help or assistance; be of service
aid; help.
- Everyone helped out during the earthquake
- Can you help me carry this table?
- She never helps around the house
verb act as an assistant in a subordinate or supportive function
verb work for or be a servant to
attend; serve; attend to; wait on.
- May I serve you?
- She attends the old lady in the wheelchair
- Can you wait on our table, please?
- Is a salesperson assisting you?
- The minister served the King for many years

L. assistere; ad + sistere to cause to stand, to stand, from stare to stand: cf. F. assister. See Stand.

imperfect & past participle Assisted; present participle & verbal noun Assisting

To give support to in some undertaking or effort, or in time of distress; to help; to aid; to succor.
Assist me, knight. I am undone! Shak.
Syn. -- To help; aid; second; back; support; relieve; succor; befriend; sustain; favor. See Help.

To lend aid; to help.
With God not parted from him, as was feared, But favoring and assisting to the end. Milton.
To be present as a spectator; as, to assist at a public meeting. A Gallicism Gibbon. Prescott.