insured

American  

[in-shoord, -shurd] / ɪnˈʃʊərd, -ˈʃɜrd /

noun

1. the person, group, or organization whose life or property is covered by an insurance policy.

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insured British  

/ -ˈʃɔːd, ɪnˈʃʊəd /

adjective

1. covered by insurance

   an insured risk

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noun

1. the person, persons, or organization covered by an insurance policy

Other Word Forms

• uninsured adjective
• well-insured adjective

Etymology

Origin of insured

First recorded in 1675–85; insure + -ed ²

Compare meaning

How does insured compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• bonded vs. insured

Explanation

Something that's insured is protected by an insurance policy — in other words, its loss or damage will be compensated by an insurance company. If your laptop is insured, you'll get enough money to replace it if it's stolen. If an insured house burns down or is damaged in a storm, an insurance company will pay to repair or replace it. In exchange, the homeowner pays monthly (or sometimes annual) fees. If you have a life insurance policy or insurance that covers your health care, you are also insured. Insured, by way of the verb insure, comes from the original ensure, which has the roots en-, "make," and sure, "safe, strong, or resolute."

Example Sentences

Sandy is also alarmed councils are giving out operator licences without stipulating that e-bikes must be insured to cover incidents such as hers.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Note: Point-of-sale price paid for privately insured individuals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

If a system fails to verify a delivery, the food cannot be released, insured, sold, or legally distributed.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

As a result, any losses will be insured up to $40 billion, double the original amount announced in March.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

By one report, stories on Louie were such an important source of revenue to the Torrance Herald that the newspaper insured his legs for $50,000.

From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand

Related Words

• guaranteed
• protected