Assert

As·sert

Assert

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Asserted; p. pr. & vb. n. Asserting

  1. To affirm; to declare with assurance, or plainly and strongly; to state positively; to aver; to asseverate.
    Nothing is more shameful . . . than to assert anything to be done without a cause.
  2. To maintain; to defend. [Obs. or Archaic]
    That . . . I may assert Eternal Providence, And justify the ways of God to men.
    I will assert it from the scandal.
  3. To maintain or defend, as a cause or a claim, by words or measures; to vindicate a claim or title to; as, to assert our rights and liberties.

Phrases & Compounds
To assert one's self
to claim or vindicate one's rights or position; to demand recognition.