n. & v.
n. 1 a a formal promise or assurance, esp. that an obligation will be fulfilled or that something is of a specified quality and durability. b a document giving such an undertaking. 2 = GUARANTY. 3 a person making a guaranty or giving a security.
v.tr. (guarantees, guaranteed) 1 a give or serve as a guarantee for; answer for the due fulfilment of (a contract etc.) or the genuineness of (an article). b assure the permanence etc. of. c provide with a guarantee. 2 (foll. by that + clause, or to + infin.) give a promise or assurance. 3 a (foll. by to) secure the possession of (a thing) for a person. b make (a person) secure against a risk or in possession of a thing. guarantee fund a sum pledged as a contingent indemnity for loss.
[ earlier garante, perh. f. Sp. garante = F garant WARRANT: later infl. by F garantie guaranty ]