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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• noninsurance noun
• preinsurance noun
• proinsurance adjective

Etymology

Origin of insurance

First recorded in 1545–55; insure + -ance

Example Sentences

In addition to food, expenses for labor, utilities, rent, insurance and other basics needed to run a restaurant are up, particularly in urban areas, according to the National Restaurant Association trade group.

From The Wall Street Journal

Or, in the case of beef, utility bills and insurance, skyrocket.

From Los Angeles Times

They are paid by their employer, so it’s technically not free advice, and you should be careful that they don’t sell you unnecessary insurance and/or annuities.

From MarketWatch

The 85-hour licensing course starts online with a focus on operational aspects like licensing and insurance.

From The Wall Street Journal

Neither pill is thought to be as effective as the injectables already on the market, and insurance coverage remains a question mark.

From Barron's

Related Words

• allowance
• coverage
• guarantee