insure

[ in-shoor, -shur ]

verb (used with object)

, in·sured, in·sur·ing.

1. to guarantee against loss or harm.

   Synonyms: warrant

2. to secure indemnity to or on, in case of loss, damage, or death.
3. to issue or procure an insurance policy on or for.
4. ensure ( defs 1, 2, 3 ).

   Synonyms: assure

verb (used without object)

, in·sured, in·sur·ing.

1. to issue or procure an insurance policy.

insure

/ ɪnˈʃʊə; -ˈʃɔː /

verb

1. often foll by against to guarantee or protect (against risk, loss, etc)

   we insured against disappointment by making an early reservation

2. often foll by against to issue (a person) with an insurance policy or take out an insurance policy (on)

   after all his car accidents the company refuses to insure him again

   his house was heavily insured against fire

3. See ensure
   another word (esp US) for ensure ensure

Derived Forms

• inˈsurable, adjective
• inˌsuraˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• over·in·sure verb (used with object) overinsured overinsuring
• prein·sure verb (used with object) preinsured preinsuring

Word History and Origins

Origin of insure¹

1400–50; late Middle English; variant of ensure

Example Sentences

Proceeds from its North Sea drilling rigs will insure corruption and kleptocracy on a Nigerian scale.

From The Daily Beast

Our two largest states, one working to insure its people and the other doing everything in its power to prevent that.

From The Daily Beast

For example, over the weekend, the Wall Street Journal reported that Obamacare has done little to insure the uninsured.

From The Daily Beast

As a freelance writer under the old dispensation, I had qualified as a Sole Proprietor and was able to insure both of us.

From The Daily Beast

I practice true “health care,” as in going to the doctor when I am healthy to insure that I remain so.

From The Daily Beast

He couldn't sell them; he couldn't burn them; he was even compelled to insure them, to his intense disgust.

From Project Gutenberg

He had but to insure his life for the amount he wanted, and let what would happen, she was safe.

From Project Gutenberg

Such a selection will insure a cigar of good quality; one that will hold fire and last the length of time appropriate to its size.

From Project Gutenberg

In mutual companies the persons insured act together to insure each other.

From Project Gutenberg

Both parties may insure the premises though the mortgagee cannot exceed his debt.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• assure
• cover
• guarantee
• hedge
• safeguard
• shield
• underwrite