insure
VerbOpen English WordNet
Verb (4)insured, insuring
- be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something“He verified that the valves were closed”“See that the curtains are closed”“control the quality of the product”Synonyms: seechecksee to itensurecontrolascertainassureMore general verifyMore specific cover, spot-check, cinch, control, card, proofread, double-check, cross-checkSimilar check, determine, control
- make certain of“This nest egg will ensure a nice retirement for us”“Preparation will guarantee success!”Synonyms: guaranteeensureassuresecureMore general verifyMore specific make, doomSimilar guarantee, vouch
- protect by insurance“The insurance won't cover this”Synonyms: coverunderwriteMore general guarantee, warrantMore specific reinsure, indemnifySimilar cover
- take out insurance forMore general protectMore specific reinsure, coinsure
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: OE. ensuren, prob. for assuren, by a change of prefix. See 1st In-, and Sure, and cf. Assure, Ensure.
1. To make sure or secure; as, to insure safety to any one.
2. Specifically, to secure against a loss by a contingent event, on certain stipulated conditions, or at a given rate or premium; to give or to take an insurance on or for; as, a merchant insures his ship or its cargo, or both, against the dangers of the sea; goods and buildings are insured against fire or water; persons are insured against sickness, accident, or death; and sometimes hazardous debts are insured.
To underwrite; to make insurance; as, a company insures at three per cent.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54