n. & v.
--n.
1. an assurance that one will or will not undertake a certain action, behaviour, etc. (a promise of help; gave a promise to be generous).
2 a sign or signs of future achievements, good results, etc. (a writer of great promise).
--v.tr.
1. (usu. foll. by to + infin., or that + clause; also absol.) make (a person) a promise, esp. to do, give, or procure (a thing) (I promise you a fair hearing; they promise not to be late; promised that he would be there; cannot positively promise).
2 a afford expectations of (the discussions promise future problems; promises to be a good cook). b (foll. by to + infin.) seem likely to (is promising to rain).
3 colloq. assure, confirm (I promise you, it will not be easy).
4 (usu. in passive) archaic betroth (she is promised to another).
Phrases and idioms:
the promised land
1. Bibl. Canaan (Gen. 12:7 etc.).
2 any desired place, esp. heaven. promise oneself look forward to (a pleasant time etc.). promise well (or ill etc.) hold out good (or bad etc.) prospects.
Derivatives:
promisee n. esp. Law. promiser n. promisor n. esp. Law.
Etymology: ME f. L promissum neut. past part. of promittere put forth, promise (as PRO-(1), mittere send)