First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
assure
verb as·sure \ə-ˈshu̇r\
: to make (something) certain
: to tell someone in a very strong and definite way that something will happen or that something is true
as·suredas·sur·ing
Full Definition of ASSURE
transitive verb
1
: to make safe (as from risks or against overthrow) : insure
2
: to give confidence to <and hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts — 1 John 3:19(Authorized Version)>
3
: to make sure or certain : convince <glancing back to assure himself no one was following>
4
: to inform positively <I assure you that we can do it>
5
: to make certain the coming or attainment of : guarantee <worked hard to assure accuracy>
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Origin of ASSURE
Middle English, from Anglo-French asseurer, assurer, from Medieval Latin assecurare, from Latin ad- + securus secure
Related to ASSURE
Synonym Discussion of ASSURE
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>.
Rhymes with ASSURE
abjure, adjure, Adour, allure, amour, Ashur, brochure, ceinture, cocksure, coiffure, conjure, contour, couture, demure, detour, dirt-poor, endure, ensure, faubourg, for sure, Fraktur, grandeur, gravure, guipure, hachure, immure, impure, insure, inure, kultur, land-poor, langur, ligure, manure, mature, mohur, obscure, parure, perdure, procure, rondure, secure, siddur, tambour, tandoor, tenure, Uighur, unmoor, velour, velure
ASSURE Defined for Kids
assure
verb as·sure \ə-ˈshu̇r\
as·suredas·sur·ing
Definition of ASSURE for Kids
1
: to give certainty, confidence, or comfort to <He assured the children all was well.> <She assured herself that the doors were locked.>
2
: to inform positively <I assure you that you won't be disappointed.>
3
: to provide a guarantee of <assure their safety> <Hard work assures success.>
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