The word "assist" can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it means to help or support someone in doing something. For example, "He assisted his friend in completing the project." As a noun, it refers to the action of helping or supporting someone. For example, "He provided valuable assistance to his friend." In this case, the correct answer is "verb" because it is asking for the part of speech that "assist" is in this particular context.