v.tr. 1 (often foll. by against; also absol.) secure the payment of a sum of money in the event of loss or damage to (property, life, a person, etc.) by regular payments or premiums (insured the house for $100,000; we have insured against flood damage) (cf. ASSURANCE). 2 (of the owner of a property, an insurance company, etc.) secure the payment of (a sum of money) in this way. 3 (usu. foll. by against) provide for (a possible contingency) (insured themselves against the rain by taking umbrellas). 4 US = ENSURE. insurable adj. insurability n.
[ ME, var. of ENSURE ]