as·sist / əˈsist/ • v. [tr.] help (someone), typically by doing a share of the work: a senior academic would assist him in his work [intr.] their presence would assist in keeping the peace. ∎  help by providing money or information: they were assisting police with their inquiries | [intr.] funds to assist with capital investment. ∎  [intr.] be present as a helper or spectator: two midwives who assisted at a water birth.• n. an act of help, typically by providing money: the budget must have an assist from tax policies. ∎  (chiefly in ice hockey, basketball, or baseball) the act of touching the puck or ball in a play in which a teammate scores or an opposing batter is put out. ∎  [in comb.] a mechanical device that provides help: the implant is a ventricular-assist device.DERIVATIVES: as·sist·er n.

assist †give help to XV; help; †stand near XVI; be present at XVII. — F. assister — L. assistere, f. AS- + sistere take one's stand.
So assistance XIV. — F. — medL. assistentia. assistant XV. — F. — medL. assistēns, -ent-, prp. of assistere.