First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
vouchsafe
verb vouch·safe \vau̇ch-ˈsāf, ˈvau̇ch-ˌ\
: to give (something) to someone as a promise or a privilege
vouch·safedvouch·saf·ing
Full Definition of VOUCHSAFE
transitive verb
1
a : to grant or furnish often in a gracious or condescending manner b : to give by way of reply <refused to vouchsafe an explanation>
2
: to grant as a privilege or special favor
— vouch·safe·ment \vau̇ch-ˈsāf-mənt\ noun
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Origin of VOUCHSAFE
Middle English vouchen sauf to grant, consent, deign, from Anglo-French voucher salf
Synonym Discussion of VOUCHSAFE
grant, concede, vouchsafe, accord, award mean to give as a favor or a right. grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld <granted them a new hearing>. concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim <even her critics concede she can be charming>. vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension <vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples>. accord implies giving to another what is due or proper <accorded all the honors befitting a head of state>. award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors <awarded the company a huge defense contract>.
Rhymes with VOUCHSAFE
VOUCHSAFING Defined for Kids
vouchsafe
verb vouch·safe \vau̇ch-ˈsāf\
vouch·safedvouch·saf·ing
Definition of VOUCHSAFE for Kids
: to give or grant as a special favor <… I riffled the pages of my book, hoping to be vouchsafed a map. — Gail Carson Levine, Ella Enchanted>
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