ensure
/ɪnˈʃɔː
/ /ɪnˈʃʊə/ /ɛnˈʃʊə/ /ɛnˈʃɔː/verb [with object]
1Make certain that (something) will occur or be the case: [with clause]: the client must ensure that accurate records are kept...
- Dog owners must by law ensure their pet wears a collar and tag with their name and address on it.
- We must now ensure that ending sexism is addressed as part of the debates about the future.
- True enough, yet it also ensures any accurate commentary can be posted as well.
Synonyms
make sure, make certain, see to it;
secure, guarantee, warrant, certify, set the seal on, clinch;
confirm, check, verify, corroborate, establish
informal sew up
1.1Make certain of obtaining or providing (something): legislation to ensure equal opportunities for all...
- Legislation has been passed in many countries geared to ensuring gender balance.
- He must ensure their safety and welfare and will act as a contact in forced marriage cases.
- The incident has prompted police to warn parents to ensure the safety of children in cars.
Synonyms
safeguard, protect, guard, shield, shelter, fortify, make invulnerable;
assure, secure, make safe, watch over, look after, take care of
1.2 [no object] (ensure against) Make sure that (a problem) does not occur: only by researching stocks thoroughly can a client ensure against being misled...
- Commercial relationships should be continually monitored to ensure against inappropriate exploitation of the organization's name or reputation and undue interference or influence of commercial interests.
- It was therefore up to them to ensure against a collapse and they did so convincingly.
- The oath that voters are required to sign is enough to ensure against fraudulent voting.
Usage
On the difference between ensure and insure, see insure (usage).
Origin
Late Middle English (in the senses 'convince' and 'make safe'): from Anglo-Norman French enseurer, alteration of Old French aseurer, earlier form of assurer (see assure). Compare with insure.