guarantor

American  

[gar-uhn-tawr, -ter] / ˈgær ənˌtɔr, -tər /

noun

1. a person, group, system, etc., that guarantees.

2. a person who makes or gives a guarantee, guaranty, warrant, etc.

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guarantor British  

/ ˌɡærənˈtɔː /

noun

1. a person who gives or is bound by a guarantee or guaranty; surety

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Other Word Forms

• preguarantor noun

Etymology

Origin of guarantor

First recorded in 1850–55; guarant(ee) + -or ²

Example Sentences

South Carolina does not have filial-responsibility laws, and Maryland repealed its own law in 2017, meaning adult children are not responsible for their parents’ debts or care-home costs, unless they sign as a guarantor.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026

They now see the need to lay the groundwork for the day when it might no longer be a reliable guarantor of their security.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2026

During the campaign, Wine embodied the energy and impatience of Uganda's youth, while Museveni cast himself as the seasoned patriarch, the guarantor of stability.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

It also threatens to upend decades of U.S. foreign policy under which Washington engendered goodwill with allies by protecting sea lanes and serving as a guarantor of the free trade of oil.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

Jack, the household’s protector, its guarantor of tranquillity, was relied on to take the long view.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Related Words

• backer
• underwriter