assistance

noun

as·​sis·​tance ə-ˈsi-stən(t)s 

: the act of helping or assisting someone or the help supplied : aid

financial and technical assistance

Can I be of any assistance? [=can I help you?]

Synonyms

• abetment
• aid
• assist
• backing
• boost
• hand
• help
• helping hand
• leg up
• lift
• support

Examples of assistance in a Sentence

Any assistance you can give me would be appreciated.

I'll be happy to provide you with whatever assistance you may need.

Recent Examples on the Web

Specific services offered are medical aid, addiction treatment, mental health support, career assistance, independent living skills, vocational services, peer support services and social activities. —Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

The bill authorizes the expansion of U.S. military resources to assist with migrant interdiction on the border with Mexico and expands U.S. assistance to Israel -- core Republican priorities. —Democrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 12 Dec. 2024

People also can request assistance through the official X account of the United States Postal Service @USPSHelp or private message on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/USPS. —Noe Padilla, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Dec. 2024

That detail, paired with the approach of nightfall and concerns about rugged terrain, prompted the Oregon State Police to request Coast Guard assistance. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English assistence, assistance, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin assistentia "presence, participation, guidance," going back to Late Latin, "aid," noun derivative of Latin assistent-, assistens, present participle of assistere "to take up a position near, stand by, stand by as a supporter or advocate" — more at assist entry 1

Note: In the case of both this word and assistant Modern English has chosen the French form with -a- in the suffix rather than Latin -e-.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing assistance

• come to someone's assistance
• directory assistance
• go on public assistance
• of (any) assistance
• public assistance
• writ of assistance

Kids Definition

assistance

noun

as·​sis·​tance ə-ˈsis-tən(t)s 

: the act of assisting

also : the help given