English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
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verb

ensure

ihn-SHAW
verb
1
To make certain that something happens or is true.
"Please ensure the doors are locked before you leave."
"The coach worked hard to ensure the team was ready for the final."

How to Use Ensure

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo make sure of something, guaranteeing it happens.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "insure" (to protect financially against loss) or "assure" (to tell someone confidently that something is true).

Easily confused with
insure assure
Common pairings
ensure that ensure safety ensure quality

Word Forms

ensured past tense, ensures singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Please _____ the doors are locked before you leave.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman enseurer, from Old French seur ("sure"). A doublet of "insure."

Rhymes for ensure

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial