definitions

insure

[ in-shoor, -shur ]
/ ɪnˈʃʊər, -ˈʃɜr /
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verb (used with object), in·sured, in·sur·ing.

to guarantee against loss or harm.
to secure indemnity to or on, in case of loss, damage, or death.
to issue or procure an insurance policy on or for.
ensure(defs 1–3).

verb (used without object), in·sured, in·sur·ing.

to issue or procure an insurance policy.

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What’s The Difference Between “Assure,” “Ensure,” And “Insure”?One of our readers recently asked about the differences between assure, ensure, and insure. All three of these words ultimately derive from the Latin word sēcūrus meaning “safe.” As with many words that share ancestors, these terms’ meanings overlap thematically, but they’re not necessarily interchangeable. Here’s a look at the key differences. Assure was the first of the three to enter English with a reflexive sense of “to have …
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RELATED WORDS

underwrite, shield, cover, assure, hedge, safeguard, guarantee, indemnify, guard, register, warrant, cinch

Nearby words

insuppressible, insurable, insurable interest, insurance, insurant, insure, insured, insurer, insurgence, insurgency, insurgent

Origin of insure

1400–50; late Middle English; variant of ensure

Related forms

o·ver·in·sure, verb (used with object), o·ver·in·sured, o·ver·in·sur·ing.pre·in·sure, verb (used with object), pre·in·sured, pre·in·sur·ing.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for insure

British Dictionary definitions for insure

insure

/ (ɪnˈʃʊə, -ˈʃɔː) /

verb

(often foll by against) to guarantee or protect (against risk, loss, etc)we insured against disappointment by making an early reservation
(often foll by against) to issue (a person) with an insurance policy or take out an insurance policy (on)his house was heavily insured against fire; after all his car accidents the company refuses to insure him again
another word (esp US) for ensure (def. 1), ensure (def. 2)
Also (rare) (for senses 1, 2): ensure

Derived Forms

insurable, adjectiveinsurability, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012