v.
Pronunciation: in- ' shu ̇ r
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: en · sured ; en · sur · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French ensurer, alteration of assurer ― more at ASSURE
Date: 1660
: to make sure, certain, or safe : GUARANTEE
synonyms ENSURE , INSURE , ASSURE , SECURE mean to make a thing or person sure. ENSURE , INSURE and ASSURE are interchangeable in many contexts where they indicate the making certain or inevitable of an outcome, but ENSURE may imply a virtual guarantee <the government has ensured the safety of the refugees>, while INSURE sometimes stresses the taking of necessary measures beforehand <careful planning should insure the success of the party>, and ASSURE distinctively implies the removal of doubt and suspense from a person's mind <I assure you that no harm will be done>. SECURE implies action taken to guard against attack or loss <sent reinforcements to secure their position>.