assistance in WordNet English dictionary

1. the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
   "he gave me an assist with the housework"; "could not walk without assistance"; "rescue party went to their aid"; "offered his help in unloading"
   aid  assist  assistance  help 
   
2. a resource
   "visual aids in teaching"
   aid  assistance  help