In"sure (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Insured (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Insuring.] [OE. ensuren, prob. for assuren, by a change of prefix. See 1st In-, and Sure, and cf. Assure, Ensure.] [Written also ensure.]

1. To make sure or secure; as, to insure safety to any one.

2. Specifically, to secure against a loss by a contingent event, on certain stipulated conditions, or at a given rate or premium; to give or to take an insurance on or for; as, a merchant insures his ship or its cargo, or both, against the dangers of the sea; goods and buildings are insured against fire or water; persons are insured against sickness, accident, or death; and sometimes hazardous debts are insured.

In*sure", v. i. To underwrite; to make insurance; as, a company insures at three per cent.

• to provide for mitigation if something goes wrong. Often agree by contract to offer financial compensation in case of an accident, theft or other undesirable event
       I'm not insured against burglary.
  
• (US) to assure, i.e. to promise with emphasis
       He insured me that there would be no further delays.
  
• (US) to ensure
       Insure that it does not happen again.