1. To set an estimated value on property, etc. for taxation; to estimate, to appraise, to value: The local tax office decided to assess the new houses.
2. To estimate or determine the significance, importance, or value of; to evaluate; levy a charge on, tax: The club assessed each member $100 to rebuild the new clubhouse.
3. To judge, evaluate, appraise, look over: The general assessed the military situation and called for reinforcements.
4. To calculate a value based on various factors: Harry said the insurance adjusters already assessed the damage done to his house by the storm.
5. To fix or determine the amount of (damages, a tax, a fine, etc.): The hurricane damage was assessed at billions of dollars.
6. To estimate or to judge the value, character, etc., of; to evaluate: Mark tried to assess what it would cost to improve the condition of his yard after the heavy rain.

The military officers were assessing the battle reports so they could decide what to do next.

7. Etymology: "to fix the amount" (of a tax, fine, etc.), from Anglo-French assesser, from Middle Latin assessare "to fix a tax upon", originally from Latin assidere, "to sit beside"; from ad-, "to" + sedere, "to sit".