What is it called to claim something?

To claim something can be called by several terms depending on context and formality. In general language, to claim something is to assert, declare, state, or allege that something is true or belongs to you. In legal terms, to claim something is to file a claim, assert a right, or demand entitlement, often called to make a claim or to assert a claim. In property, to claim something might be called to stake a claim or to take possession. In insurance, to claim is called to file an insurance claim. In academic writing, to claim something is to make a claim or assertion that requires evidence. In everyday conversation, to claim something could be described as to say something is yours, to call dibs, or to lay claim to. Synonyms include to assert, to profess, to declare, to maintain, and to contend. The act itself is called a claim, an assertion, a declaration, or an allegation, depending on whether it is about ownership, truth, or right. So what it is called depends on whether you mean legal, academic, or casual claiming.