avouch

American  

[uh-vouch] / əˈvaʊtʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to make frank acknowledgment or affirmation of; declare or assert with positiveness.

2. to assume responsibility for; vouch for; guarantee.

3. to admit; confess.

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avouch British  

/ əˈvaʊtʃ /

verb

1. to vouch for; guarantee

2. to acknowledge

3. to assert

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Other Word Forms

• avoucher noun
• avouchment noun
• unavouched adjective

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."

Example Sentences

Before my God, I might not this believe, without the sensible and true avouch of mine own eyes.

From Textbooks • Mar. 27, 2020

Nay, if I must avouch the whole truth,” she continued, blushing deeply, “my affections are already engaged, though to one with whom I can never hope to be united.”

From Guy Fawkes or The Gunpowder Treason by Ainsworth, William Harrison

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 Ingersoll, Robert Green

It is true—that I avouch, and the certainty of it has sickened me at heart.

From The Shepherd's Calendar Volume I (of II) by Hogg, James

They avouch Him to be their God; He avouches them to be His people.

From The Ordinance of Covenanting by Cunningham, John