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insure

[in-shoo r, -shur]
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verb (used with object), in·sured, in·sur·ing.
  1. to guarantee against loss or harm.
  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 1–3).
verb (used without object), in·sured, in·sur·ing.
  1. to issue or procure an insurance policy.

Origin of insure

1400–50; late Middle English; variant of ensure
Related formso·ver·in·sure, verb (used with object), o·ver·in·sured, o·ver·in·sur·ing.pre·in·sure, verb (used with object), pre·in·sured, pre·in·sur·ing.

Synonyms

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1. warrant. 4. assure.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for overinsured

Historical Examples

  • When the insured has overinsured on an unvalued policy, a proportionate part of the premium is returnable.

    Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 6

    Various

British Dictionary definitions for overinsured

insure

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)his house was heavily insured against fire; after all his car accidents the company refuses to insure him again
  3. another word (esp US) for ensure (def. 1), ensure (def. 2)
Also (rare) (for senses 1, 2): ensure
Derived Formsinsurable, adjectiveinsurability, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for overinsured

insure

v.

mid-15c., insuren, spelling variant of ensuren (see ensure). Took on its particular sense of "make safe against loss by payment of premiums" from mid-17c. (replacing assure in that meaning). Related: Insured; insuring.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper