vouch

verb \ ˈvau̇ch \

Updated on: 14 May 2018

Definition of vouch

intransitive verb

1 a : to supply supporting evidence or testimony

b : to give personal assurance

2 : to give a guarantee : become surety

transitive verb

1 : to summon into court to warrant or defend a title

2 a : prove, substantiate

b : to verify (a business transaction) by examining documentary evidence

3 archaic

a : assert, affirm

b : attest

4 archaic : to cite or refer to as authority or supporting evidence

See vouch defined for English-language learners

See vouch defined for kids

Recent Examples of vouch from the Web

That agent vouched for Heritage Auctions' professionalism and reputation.

— nathan baird, Post-Tribune, "Family bond preserves John Wooden's Purdue jersey," 10 May 2018
But Masarik cautioned that the samples are submitted by property owners and the university can’t vouch for their integrity of how the water was collected.

— lee bergquist, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "EPA investigates possible groundwater contamination in central Wisconsin as worries grow," 4 May 2018
If your first two wives won’t vouch for you, the third one surely will.

— a. o. scott and manohla dargis, New York Times, "Dear Movie Industry, We Have Thoughts," 2 May 2018
That both doctors vouched for the health of a man who mainlines McDonald's and likes steak and meatloaf is incredible.

— z. byron wolf, CNN, "The surreal tales of Trump's 2 former doctors," 1 May 2018
Romo vouched for Bryant as a teammate and believes there is a misconception on Bryant’s antics on the sidelines.

— drew davison, star-telegram, "Tony Romo on Dez Bryant-less Cowboys: Someone (Terrance Williams?) will step up | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 30 Apr. 2018
Anyone in attendance Wednesday could vouch for the value of Unified Sports.

— phil anastasia, Philly.com, "Unified Sports brings out best in everybody | Phil Anastasia," 27 Apr. 2018
When, as Spurs chairman in 1994, McDermott was considering the idea of hiring an unknown candidate to take over as the franchise’s general manager, Gwin vouched for Erin’s husband.

— mike finger, San Antonio Express-News, "As Pop mourns, world sees what it missed," 19 Apr. 2018
Well, any of us who has dealt with insomnia or poor sleep can vouch for how valuable that hour can be, and even one hour’s loss can throw a healthy sleeper’s Circadian rhythm out of whack.

— nicole spector /, NBC News, "How to get ahead of (and cope with) daylight saving time," 10 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vouch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of vouch

Middle English vochen, vouchen, from Anglo-French voucher to call, vouch, from Latin vocare to call, summon, from vox voice — more at voice

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of vouch

certify, attest, witness, vouch mean to testify to the truth or genuineness of something. certify usually applies to a written statement, especially one carrying a signature or seal.

- certified that the candidate had met all requirements

attest applies to oral or written testimony usually from experts or witnesses.

- attested to the authenticity of the document

witness applies to the subscribing of one's own name to a document as evidence of its genuineness.

- witnessed the signing of the will

vouch applies to one who testifies as a competent authority or a reliable person.

- willing to vouch for her integrity

vouch

noun

Definition of vouch

obsolete

: allegation, declaration

First Known Use of vouch

1603

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

VOUCH Defined for Kids

vouch

verb \ ˈvau̇ch \

Definition of vouch for Students

vouched; vouching

: to give a guarantee

The teacher vouched for their honesty.

Law Dictionary

vouch

verb \ ˈvau̇ch \

legal Definition of vouch

transitive verb

1 : to summon into court

2 : to verify (a business transaction) by examining documentary evidence

intransitive verb

1 : to become surety

2 a : to supply supporting evidence or testimony

b : to give personal assurance

Origin and Etymology of vouch

Anglo-French voucher to call, summon, summon to court as guarantor of a title, ultimately from Latin vocare to call, summon

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See words that rhyme with vouch Spanish Central: Translation of vouch Nglish: Translation of vouch for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of vouch for Arabic speakers

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vouch

Definition of vouch

Recent Examples of vouch from the Web

Origin and Etymology of vouch

Synonym Discussion of vouch

vouch

Definition of vouch

First Known Use of vouch

Phrases Related to VOUCH

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VOUCH Defined for Kids

vouch

Definition of vouch for Students

Law Dictionary

vouch

legal Definition of vouch

Origin and Etymology of vouch

Learn More about vouch

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