guarantee

[gar-uhn-tee]

noun

1. a promise or assurance, especially one in writing, that something is of specified quality, content, benefit, etc., or that it will perform satisfactorily for a given length of time.

   a money-back guarantee.

2. an assurance that another’s obligation will be fulfilled, or something presented as such security; guaranty.

3. something that assures a particular outcome or condition.

   Wealth is no guarantee of happiness.

4. a person who gives a guarantee or guaranty; guarantor.

5. a person to whom a guarantee is made.

verb (used with object)

guaranteed, guaranteeing 

1. to secure, as by giving or taking security.

   A credit card guarantees your reservation at the hotel.

2. to make oneself answerable for (something) on behalf of someone else who is primarily responsible.

   to guarantee the fulfillment of a contract.

3. to undertake to ensure for another, as rights or possessions.

   The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion.

4. to serve as a warrant or guaranty for.

5. to undertake to protect or indemnify.

   to guarantee a person against loss.

6. to undertake (to do something).

   I will guarantee to prove every word I stated.

7. to promise (usually followed by a clause as object).

   I guarantee that I'll be there.

guarantee

/ ˌɡærənˈtiː /

noun

1. a formal assurance, esp in writing, that a product, service, etc, will meet certain standards or specifications

2. law a promise, esp a collateral agreement, to answer for the debt, default, or miscarriage of another

3. 1. a person, company, etc, to whom a guarantee is made

   2. a person, company, etc, who gives a guarantee

4. a person who acts as a guarantor

5. something that makes a specified condition or outcome certain

6. a variant spelling of guaranty

verb

1. (also tr) to take responsibility for (someone else's debts, obligations, etc)

2. to serve as a guarantee for

3. to secure or furnish security for

   a small deposit will guarantee any dress

4. to undertake to protect or keep secure, as against injury, loss, etc

5. to ensure

   good planning will guarantee success

6. (may take a clause as object or an infinitive) to promise or make certain

Other Word Forms

• nonguarantee noun
• preguarantee noun
• quasi-guaranteed adjective
• reguarantee noun
• superguarantee noun
• unguaranteed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of guarantee¹

First recorded in 1670–80; alteration of guaranty

Word History and Origins

Origin of guarantee¹

C17: perhaps from Spanish garante or French garant, of Germanic origin; compare _warrant

Example Sentences

It’s also guaranteed to be your favorite autumnal pick-me-up.

From Salon

The withholding does not guarantee residency, but prior administrations let immigrants free.

From Los Angeles Times

Over the weekend the government announced it would provide loan guarantees worth £1.5bn for JLR, with the stipulation that the supply chain would be supported.

From BBC

This was effectively them guaranteeing me this money at a minimum once I handed over my login details.

From BBC

Minasian has one guaranteed year and an option year left in his contract.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agreement 
• assurance 
• certificate 
• collateral 
• contract 
• deposit 
• insurance 
• security 
• warranty 

When To Use

What does guarantee mean?

A guarantee is a promise or assurance, especially one that is written or legally binding, that something is of a stated quality or will perform as stated, such as a guarantee that a car you purchase will operate correctly.A guarantee is also an assurance of a particular outcome or condition, as in Weather predictions are not guarantees. Weather often changes quickly.To guarantee something is to secure something, as a ticket guarantees entry to a movie showing.As well, to guarantee is to promise to do something, usually by signing a legally binding agreement, as in The company guaranteed me a job when I signed the contract.Example: I guarantee you will love your purchase and will give you a full refund if you don’t.