DictionaryAI

ensure

verb
USin-SHUUR/ɪnˈʃʊɹ/UKin-SHOOR/ɪnˈʃʊə(ɹ)/

Formsensures, ensuring, ensured

Often confused with insure

2 meanings of ensure

Practice

  1. 1
    verbtransitive
    To make sure that something happens or that a condition is met.

    Like double-checking your bag before a trip so you know nothing is missing.

    Please check the locks to ensure that no one can get in.

    We worked hard to ensure that everyone got home safely.

    UsageOften ensure that + what will happen. Different words: insure (buy insurance), assure (tell someone not to worry).

    Similarguarantee

  2. 2
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To promise someone something, or to make a person feel sure of it.
    Thenne he cryed hym mercy and sayd Faire knyght for goddes loue slee me not / and I shall ensure the neuer werre ageynst thy lady / but be alwey toward her / Thenne Bors lete hym be
    1485, Sir Thomas Malory, “xvj”Here, ensure means promise, assuring someone of something.

    Similarassure

    Note

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Origin

From Middle English ensuren, which came from Old French seur meaning "sure." It is a doublet of insure.

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 3 facts