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
Your story, good Martin," said Shakespeare, as Martin paused after telling some portion of his adventure and escape from the Spaniard, "on mine own authority I would hardly dare avouch.
From William Shakespeare as he lived. An Historical Tale by Curling, Henry
"But you avouch for this? a mistake would be terrible."
From Silent Struggles by Stephens, Ann S. (Ann Sophia)
What sober man will dare once to avouch An infinite number of dispersed starres?
From Democritus Platonissans by More, Henry
Give us leave to avouch our sincerity in this matter, and it will take away the respect of idolatry in God's worship.”
From The Works of Mr. George Gillespie (Vol. 1 of 2) by Gillespie, George
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.
