guarantee

Definition

  • noun: a usually written promise
  • noun: an assurance for the fulfillment of a condition
  • verb: to undertake to answer for the debt, default, or miscarriage of
  • verb: to make a usually written promise that whatever you are selling, doing, etc., is what you say it is
  • often used in negative constructions
  • synonyms: bible oath, agree, and candle

Examples

  • The software comes with a 'money-back guarantee'. [=a promise that the money you spend on a product will be returned if the product is not good enough]

  • We used our house as a 'guarantee' for the loan. [=we said that the bank could take our house if we did not pay back the loan]

  • There is no 'guarantee' that they will approve the contract. [=there is no way to be sure that they will approve it]

Movie quotes

  • (..) than you'd get down there but I'm prepared to give you a $ bonus on your lot. What kind of royalty are you talking about? One-sixth, plus a guarantee to start drilling within days. Now, that's something you won't find anywhere else. What age are your children, ma'am? Ten and twelve. (..)
    2007 There Will Be Blood
  • (..) I have business connections, so I can get the lumber for the derricks. Such things go by friendship in a rush like this. And this is why I can guarantee to start drilling and to put up the cash to back my word. I assure you, ladies and gentlemen, no matter what the others promise to do, (..)
    2007 There Will Be Blood