I. ə̇nˈshu̇r(ə)n(t)s, chiefly in southern United States ˈinˌ ̷ ̷( ̷ ̷) noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: insure + -ance
1.
a. : the action or process of insuring or the state of being insured usually against loss or damage by a contingent event (as death, fire, accident, or sickness)
b. : means of insuring against loss or risks
provide insurance against floods
2.
a. : the business of insuring persons or property ; specifically : a device for the elimination or reduction of an economic risk common to all members of a large group and employing a system of equitable contributions out of which losses are paid
b. : coverage by contract whereby for a stipulated consideration one party undertakes to indemnify or guarantee another against loss by a specified contingency or peril
c. : the principles and practices of the business of insuring — see accident insurance , automobile insurance , business interruption insurance , casualty insurance , disability insurance , fire insurance , group insurance , health insurance , liability insurance , life insurance , marine insurance , social insurance , unemployment insurance , workmen's compensation insurance ; compare annuity , corporate suretyship , insurable interest , loss , mutual , policy , premium , rate , reinsurance , representation , reserve , risk tontine, warranty
3.
a. : the premium paid for insuring something
b. : the sum for which something is insured
II. ə̇nˈshu̇r(ə)n(t)s, chiefly in southern United States ˈinˌ ̷ ̷ (ˌ) adjective
: being a score (as a run or goal) that adds to a team's lead so that the opponents cannot tie the game with their next score