vouchsafe

American  

[vouch-seyf] / vaʊtʃˈseɪf /

verb (used with object)

vouchsafed, vouchsafing

1. to grant or give, as by favor, graciousness, or condescension.

   to vouchsafe a reply to a question.

   Synonyms:

   accord, confer, bestow

2. to allow or permit, as by favor or graciousness.

   They vouchsafed his return to his own country.

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verb (used without object)

vouchsafed, vouchsafing

1. to condescend; deign.

vouchsafe British  

/ ˌvaʊtʃˈseɪf /

verb

1. to give or grant or condescend to give or grant

   she vouchsafed no reply

   he vouchsafed me no encouragement

2. (may take a clause as object or an infinitive) to agree, promise, or permit, often graciously or condescendingly

   he vouchsafed to come yesterday

3. obsolete

   1. to warrant as being safe

   2. to bestow as a favour (upon)

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Other Word Forms

• unvouchsafed
  adjective
• vouchsafement
  noun

Etymology

Origin of vouchsafe

1275–1325; Middle English phrase vouche sauf. See vouch, safe

Explanation

Vouchsafe is a verb meaning to offer something in a condescending way. You might vouchsafe to your brother the secret to your key lime pie recipe. Because vouchsafe can mean making an offering in a gracious way, it’s sometimes used in reference to religious acts — you might vouchsafe your prayers unto God. Vouchsafe can also mean doing something in a condescending way, which makes it a word that's used in many of other contexts. For example, your fancy great aunt might vouchsafe to visit your dorm room. Vouchsafe comes from the Middle English expression “To vouch something safe on someone,” meaning you confer something in a way that's secure.

Example Sentences

“And it’s my first time at the Los Angeles Times Book Festival. I suppose, given the circumstances, it’s OK to vouchsafe my secrets or at least one secret about this book.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2022

All of my life, I had never rid myself of the preposterous idea that someday Young would vouchsafe to me some life-altering truth, until one day it happened.

From New York Times • Aug. 20, 2019

Only regarding the next can we vouchsafe certainty.

From The New Yorker • Nov. 14, 2018

In a space becoming tighter by the hour, here was an artist determined to vouchsafe whatever freedom he could for his imagination.

From Washington Post • Jun. 7, 2018

"To vouchsafe for our good intentions, my brother Ser Perwyn will remain here until she is safely returned to you."

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin