insurance

[ in-shoor-uhns, -shur- ]

noun

1. the act, system, or business of insuring property, life, one's person, etc., against loss or harm arising in specified contingencies, as fire, accident, death, disablement, or the like, in consideration of a payment proportionate to the risk involved.
2. coverage by contract in which one party agrees to indemnify or reimburse another for loss that occurs under the terms of the contract.
3. the contract itself, set forth in a written or printed agreement or policy.
4. the amount for which anything is insured. insured.
5. an insurance premium.
6. any means of guaranteeing against loss or harm:

   Taking vitamin C is viewed as an insurance against catching colds.

adjective

1. of or relating to a score that increases a team's lead and insures that the lead will be held if the opposing team should score once more:

   The home run gave the team an insurance run, making the score 7-5.

insurance

/ ɪnˈʃʊərəns; -ˈʃɔː- /

noun

1. 1. the act, system, or business of providing financial protection for property, life, health, etc, against specified contingencies, such as death, loss, or damage, and involving payment of regular premiums in return for a policy guaranteeing such protection
   2. the state of having such protection
   3. Also calledinsurance policy the policy providing such protection
   4. the pecuniary amount of such protection
   5. the premium payable in return for such protection
   6. ( as modifier )

      insurance broker

      insurance agent

      insurance company

2. a means of protecting or safeguarding against risk or injury

Other Words From

• nonin·surance noun
• prein·surance noun
• proin·surance adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of insurance¹

First recorded in 1545–55; insure + -ance

Example Sentences

Participants represented a range of ages, household incomes and education levels, and most had insurance.

From Science Daily

However, patients in China will have to pay out of pocket for the treatment, as it is not yet covered by the national healthcare insurance, João da Silva of BBC reported.

From Salon

The results also indicate that a higher number of tree species in a stand act as an insurance against extensive forest damages in a warmer climate.

From Science Daily

Programs such as crop insurance, commodity support and nutrition assistance are set to expire at the end of the year, heightening the urgency for Congress to take action.

From Salon

However, the reduced price tag is not worth the extra risk and can burden buyers with long-term insurance costs.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• allowance
• coverage
• guarantee