avouch
Americanverb (used with object)
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to make frank acknowledgment or affirmation of; declare or assert with positiveness.
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to assume responsibility for; vouch for; guarantee.
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to admit; confess.
verb
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to vouch for; guarantee
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to acknowledge
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to assert
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of avouch
1350–1400; Middle English avouchen < Middle French avouchier < Latin advocāre. See a- 5, vouch, advocate
Explanation
When you avouch, you assert that something is true. An accused man might be acquitted if several eyewitnesses avouch that he was nowhere near the scene of the crime. Avouch is an extremely old-fashioned way to say another (only slightly old-fashioned) word, avow. Use either word to mean "assert" or "declare." While it's unusual to hear people use avouch, it's common to say something like, "I'll vouch for my friend," meaning you'll give evidence or make a guarantee on your friend's behalf. The root of avouch is the Latin advocare, "call to as a witness."
Vocabulary lists containing avouch
"The Tragedy of Macbeth," Vocabulary from Act 3
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"The Tragedy of Hamlet," Vocabulary from Act 1
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Measure for Measure
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Before my God, I might not this believe, without the sensible and true avouch of mine own eyes.
From Textbooks ● Mar. 27, 2020
My lords, vouchsafe me this grace: Let him be brought, being alive, and in the house; let him avouch any of these things, I will confess the whole indictment and renounce the king's mercy.
From State Trials, Political and Social Volume 1 (of 2) by Sir Harry Lushington Stephen
For every averment they had "the sensible and true avouch of their own eyes" and ears.
From The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 6 (of 12) Dresden Edition?Discussions by Robert Green Ingersoll
That bonnets are the source of a multitude of evils is a truth that every married man will not, for a moment, hesitate to avouch; however Henry or Augustus—not yet married—may hypocritically venture to dispute.
From Punch - Volume 25 (Jul-Dec 1853) by Various
What is the distinctive sense of aver? of avouch? of avow?
From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by James Champlin Fernald
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
