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

  • (..) I'll have it. - I'm going to speak Italian to Mikey. - Go ahead. What I want... What's most important to me is that I have a guarantee. No more attempts on my father's life. What guarantees can I give you? I'm the hunted one! I missed my chance. You think too much of me, kid. (..)
    1972 The Godfather
  • (..) but drugs is a dirty business. It doesn't make any difference to me what a man does for a living. But your business is... a little dangerous. If you're worried about security, the Tattaglias will guarantee it. - The Tattaglias would guarantee our... - Wait a minute. I have a sentimental weakness (..)
    1972 The Godfather