assure

Where does the word "assure" come from? It comes from Medieval Latin assecurare, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Assure’s story begins in Medieval Latin: assecurare meant “to make safe.” 'ad-' plus 'securus', secure. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as asseurer. 'assurance' in insurance contracts dates from the 1500s. It reached English by 1300s as assure. 'life assurance' dates from the 1600s. Today, assure means to tell someone confidently.

1. Stage 1 · Medieval Latin · medieval assecurare "to make safe", 'ad-' plus 'securus', secure.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval asseurer "to make sure", 'assurance' in insurance contracts dates from the 1500s.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s assure "to guarantee", 'life assurance' dates from the 1600s.