Ensure

easyNeutral tone

en-SHOOR

verb

Definition

To make certain that something will occur or be the case

Memory hook

EN-SURE: to make SURE — guarantee something will happen (not insure = protect financially).

See more GRE words with mnemonics.

Examples

Regular backups ensure your data is protected.
The treaty was designed to ensure lasting peace.

Test yourself

Fill in the blank with the right word:

Regular backups ______ your data is protected.
Show answer

ensure

Synonyms

guaranteesecurecertifyassure

Antonyms

jeopardizeendangerriskimperil

Categories

View all Certainty words

GRE Tip

Ensure is a easy-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "guarantee" or "secure" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "jeopardize".

Read: How to Memorize GRE Words That Actually Stick

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