insurance

American  

[in-shoor-uhns, -shur-] / ɪnˈʃʊər əns, -ˈʃɜr- /

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 British  

/ 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 called: insurance 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 agent

      insurance broker

      insurance company

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

---

Other Word Forms

• noninsurance noun
• preinsurance noun
• proinsurance adjective

Etymology

Origin of insurance

First recorded in 1545–55; insure + -ance

Example Sentences

Greene is one of a growing number of patients who have sued their insurance companies this past year, arguing they promise mental-health coverage that is virtually nonexistent.

From The Wall Street Journal

In some states, this might go beyond inheritance and apply to jointly held property, insurance policies and other kinds of accounts.

From Salon

Yet for years, federal rules and insurance barriers have kept these treatments out of reach.

From Salon

Lots of people want to invest insurance money these days.

From The Wall Street Journal

Goods like wine, cheese and replacement parts for equipment have gone up in price due to tariffs, but labor, rent and insurance have also soared, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• allowance
• coverage
• guarantee