ensure
Etymology

From Middle English ensuren, from Anglo-Norman enseurer, from Old French seur.

Pronunciation
  • (RP) IPA: /ɪnˈʃʊə/, /ɪnˈʃɔː/
  • (America) IPA: /ɪnˈʃʊɹ/, /ɪnˈʃɝ/
Verb

ensure (ensures, present participle ensuring; simple past and past participle ensured)

  1. (transitive) To make a pledge to (someone); to promise, guarantee (someone of something); to assure. [14th]
    • 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, “[https://quod.lib.umich.edu/c/cme/MaloryWks2/1:18.8?rgn=div2;view=fulltext xvj]”, in Le Morte Darthur, book XVI:
      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
      (please add an English translation of this quotation)
  2. (intransitive) To make sure or certain of something (usually some future event or condition). [from 18th c.]
    I use an alarm clock to ensure that I get up on time.
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