ɪnˈʃuə v.tr. 1 (often foll. by
against;
also absol.)
secure the payment of a
sum of
money in the
event of
loss or
damage to (property,
life, a
person, etc.) by
regular payments or premiums (insured the
house for ø100,000; we
have insured against
flood damage) (cf. ASSURANCE). 2 (of the
owner of a
property, an
insurance company, etc.) secure the payment of (a sum of money) in
this way. 3 (usu. foll. by against)
provide for (a
possible contingency) (insured
themselves against the
rain by
taking umbrellas). 4 US =
ENSURE. øøinsurable adj. insurability n. [ME, var. of ENSURE]