avouch
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to make frank acknowledgment or affirmation of; declare or assert with positiveness.
-
to assume responsibility for; vouch for; guarantee.
-
to admit; confess.
verb
-
to vouch for; guarantee
-
to acknowledge
-
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Tragedy of Hamlet," Vocabulary from Act 1
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Measure for Measure
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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
For the smiling lips of men More insultingly declare, Even than their lips avouch, All their insolence of soul.
From Atta Troll by Heine, Heinrich
I cannot avouch for that, your Majesty, but he is highly commended by his master, an honest soldier, who places him at your Majesty's service.
From Valeria The Martyr of the Catacombs by Withrow, William Henry
Did the writers of the four gospels have "the sensible and true avouch of their own eyes and ears" in that behalf?
From Ingersollia Gems of Thought from the Lectures, Speeches, and Conversations of Col. Robert G. Ingersoll, Representative of His Opinions and Beliefs by Ingersoll, Robert Green
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 Fernald, James Champlin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
