insure

present singular third person insures · participle present insuring · participle past insured · past insured

1. transitiveTo provide for compensation if some specified risk occurs. Often agreed by policy (contract) to offer financial compensation in case of an accident, theft or other undesirable event.

   I'm not insured against burglary.

2. intransitiveTo deal in such contracts; subscribe to a policy of insurance
3. USalternativedatedtransitiveAlternative spelling of ensure; to make sure or certain of; guarantee.

   The latest in automation equipment, combined with highly skilled craftsmen, insure the high quality of the Packard Clipper.

   1954, Packard Motor Car Company, Packard Clipper Owner's Manual

   3 more examples

   We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

   1787, Preamble to the United States Constitution

   "I have a friend at court," whispered she to her companion: "last night I singled out one of Sir Robert's secretaries, and a few smiles made him my devoted chevalier, and he promised to insure an interview."

   1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “Sir Robert Walpole and House”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 237

   […] the sentry placed over the prisoner had strict orders to let no one have communication with him but the Chaplain. And certain unobtrusive measures were taken absolutely to insure this point.

   1924, Herman Melville, chapter 19, in Billy Budd, London: Constable & Co.