ə̇nˈshu̇(ə)r, en-, -u̇ə transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English ensuren, from Anglo-French enseurer, probably alteration of Old French aseurer to assure — more at assure
1. obsolete
a. : to make (one) sure (as by pledging, guaranteeing, convincing, or declaring) : assure
b. : affiance , betroth ; sometimes : marry , espouse
2. : insure 2
3. : to make sure, certain, or safe : guarantee
good farming practices go far to ensure good crops
provisions to ensure the rank and file a voice in union policies
his industry and ability will ensure his success in life
Synonyms:
insure , assure , secure : ensure , insure , and assure all indicate a making of an outcome or event sure, certain, or inevitable as a consequence or concomitant
certain rules of conduct for the purpose of ensuring the safety and victory of the absent warriors — J.G.Frazer
for the remainder of his life he so constrained the expression of his thoughts as to ensure safety — H.O.Taylor
shipbuilders, who wished to insure a profitable career for their vessels — American Guide Series: Michigan
the structural division of the buildings, with no more than four apartments opening on any hallway, insures privacy and quiet — American Guide Series: New York City
protected by game laws and reared in state hatcheries, this bird is now assured a permanent place among the game birds of the state — American Guide Series: Tennessee
policies and plans for assuring the necessary labor force for defense and essential civilian production — Current Biography
assure is the usual form to express the notion of removal of doubt, uncertainty, or worry from a person's mind
I assured him that I was far from advising him to do anything so cruel — Joseph Conrad
assured the inhabitants that France intended to grant autonomy — Current Biography
insure is now the general word for reference to making certain arrangements for indemnification for loss by contingent events
to insure the car against theft and fire damage
secure implies purposive action to ensure safety, protection, or certainty against adverse contingencies
lock the door to secure us from interruption — Charles Dickens
one other battalion moved up to secure the first battalion's flank — Walter Bernstein