ensure

[ en-shoor, -shur ]

verb (used with object)

, en·sured, en·sur·ing.

1. to secure or guarantee:

   This letter will ensure you a hearing.

2. to make sure or certain:

   measures to ensure the success of an undertaking.

3. to make secure or safe, as from harm.

   Synonyms: safeguard, guard, protect

4. insure ( defs 1, 2, 3 ).

ensure

/ -ˈʃɔː; ɛnˈʃʊə /

verb

1. may take a clause as object to make certain or sure; guarantee

   this victory will ensure his happiness

2. to make safe or secure; protect

Derived Forms

• enˈsurer, noun

Other Words From

• en·surer noun
• unen·sured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ensure¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English ensuren, from Anglo-French enseurer; en- ¹( def ), sure ( def )

Example Sentences

Asserting our right to free speech is the only to ensure that 12 people did not die in vain.

From The Daily Beast

Police, their representatives and supporters tell us, ensure our freedom of speech through our ability to protest.

From The Daily Beast

If someone wants to ensure a direct and secure connection, no entity, whether a hotel or otherwise, should be able to block it.

From The Daily Beast

One detainee was bent over for a rectal feeding that involved Ensure, the protein shake.

From The Daily Beast

To ensure that all Afghan women see the gains of the last decade, we need to understand, support and enhance existing systems.

From The Daily Beast

His first business was to provide a proper train to ensure the quick and easy mobilisation of the artillery.

From Project Gutenberg

The registrars will, in that event, ensure the moral growth of existing societies before multiplying them.

From Project Gutenberg

Principally to ensure military dominance, the conquerors made many main roads, mostly centering in London.

From Project Gutenberg

In the meantime the university had taken steps to ensure the suppression of heretical books.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, five minutes' rest taken at the right time may ensure those persons' safety as well as our own.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• assure
• establish
• insure
• protect
• provide
• safeguard
• secure