insurance

[in-shoor-uhns, -shur-]

noun

1. the act, system, or business of insuring property, life, one's person, etc., against loss or harm arising in specified contingencies, as fire, accident, death, disablement, or the like, in consideration of a payment proportionate to the risk involved.

2. coverage by contract in which one party agrees to indemnify or reimburse another for loss that occurs under the terms of the contract.

3. the contract itself, set forth in a written or printed agreement or policy.

4. the amount for which anything is insured. insured.

5. an insurance premium.

6. any means of guaranteeing against loss or harm.

   Taking vitamin C is viewed as an insurance against catching colds.

adjective

1. of or relating to a score that increases a team's lead and insures that the lead will be held if the opposing team should score once more.

   The home run gave the team an insurance run, making the score 7-5.

insurance

/ ɪnˈʃʊərəns, -ˈʃɔː- /

noun

1. 1. the act, system, or business of providing financial protection for property, life, health, etc, against specified contingencies, such as death, loss, or damage, and involving payment of regular premiums in return for a policy guaranteeing such protection

   2. the state of having such protection

   3. Also called: insurance policy. the policy providing such protection

   4. the pecuniary amount of such protection

   5. the premium payable in return for such protection

   6. ( as modifier )

      insurance agent

      insurance broker

      insurance company

2. a means of protecting or safeguarding against risk or injury

Other Word Forms

• noninsurance noun
• preinsurance noun
• proinsurance adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of insurance¹

First recorded in 1545–55; insure + -ance

Example Sentences

In the continuing evolution of the science, the FDA-approved diagnostic blood test — which costs several hundred dollars and isn’t yet covered by insurance — is a much simpler way to detect biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease.

From Los Angeles Times

“Administrator Zeldin followed ALL steps to complete the move in accordance with all laws, rules, and contracts, notifying his mortgage company, insurance company, and local government,” the spokesperson said.

From Salon

He went on to make fraudulent claims from two insurance firms, lying that the injuries to his legs were the result of sepsis and not self-inflicted.

From BBC

He’s on record as supporting the Green New Deal and universal health insurance, and spoke alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders when the progressive icon’s “Fighting Oligarchy” tour came to Southern California.

From Salon

Take down their name, address, contact details and insurance information.

From BBC

Related Words

• allowance 
• coverage 
• guarantee