as·sist 
(ə-sĭst)
(ə-sĭst)v. as·sist·ed, as·sist·ing, as·sists
v.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.
v.intr.
1. To give aid or support: Who assisted during the operation?
2. To be present, as at a conference: "Mr. Dick had regularly assisted at our councils, with a meditative and sage demeanor. He never made a suggestion but once" (Charles Dickens).
n.
1. The act of giving aid; help: cleaned the garage with the assist of a friend.
2. Sports
a. A fielding and throwing of a baseball in such a way that enables a teammate to put out a runner.
b. A pass, as in basketball or ice hockey, that enables the receiver to score.
3. A mechanical device providing aid.
[Middle English assisten, from Old French assister, from Latin assistere : ad-, ad- + sistere, to stand; see stā- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]
as·sister n.