insure
Definitions
To arrange financial protection against loss, damage, or risk by buying insurance.
为……投保；给……保险
To provide insurance cover for someone or something (as an insurer).
承保；为……提供保险
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedinsure was originally the same word as ensure (en-/in- 'make' + sure 'certain'). English split off this spelling for one specialized job: making certain against financial loss — buying insurance. You insure a thing against a risk: insure your house against fire. (The in- here is a spelling variant of en-, not the negative 'not.')
Root sur still carries 9 more wordsUsage Guide
- insure something against a risk: insure your bike against theft — the core financial sense
- insure someone/something for an amount: insured for $500,000
- The trap trio: insure = buy insurance (money against loss); ensure = guarantee an event; assure = reassure a person. (I = Insurance, E = Event, A = Anxiety.)
- In American English 'insure' sometimes spills over into the 'ensure' meaning, but in careful writing keep insure for money/policies only.
Example Sentences
- 1.
It costs a lot to insure a sports car against theft.
- 2.
The company insures its workers against on-the-job injuries.
- 3.
Many homeowners insure their property for its full value.