vouchsafe

vouch·safe

verb \vau̇ch-ˈsāf, ˈvau̇ch-ˌ\

vouch·safedvouch·saf·ing

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

Examples of VOUCHSAFE

1. He vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples.

Origin of VOUCHSAFE

Middle English vouchen sauf to grant, consent, deign, from Anglo-French voucher salf

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with VOUCHSAFE

fail-safe