Definition of: assess

(ə·ses′) v.t.
1. To charge with a tax, fine, or other payment, as a person or property.
2. To determine the amount of, as a tax or other fine on a person or property.
3. To value, as property, for taxation.
4. To take stock of; evaluate: to assess the situation. See synonyms under TAX. [<OF assesser <LL assessare fix a tax <L assidere sit by (as a judge in court) <ad- to + sedere sit]
—as·sess′a·ble adjective