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

But after speaking with law professors, insurance experts and competing insurance companies, I believe Travel Insured International was wrong, at least by the time of your second appeal, and should pay up.

From New York Times • May 16, 2024

Insured property losses alone already total some $3.2 billion, according to Karen Clark & Company, a prominent disaster and risk modeling firm.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 17, 2023

Travel Insured: Yes, you should be happy that you received your check, and yes — you should discuss this one more time with your friend.

From Washington Post • Mar. 5, 2023

Insured individuals will need to get COVID-19 tests through an “in-network” provider to avoid charges.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2023

Two hundred thousand dollars—" "Insured for three hundred, no doubt.

From The Iron Trail by Beach, Rex Ellingwood

Related Words

• guaranteed
• protected