vouch

verb \ ˈvau̇ch \

|Updated on: 9 Jul 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Definition of vouch

vouched; vouching; vouches

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

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Recent Examples of vouch from the Web

Gottlieb also used the approval to vouch for the years-long clinical development of Epidiolex as a model for bringing products made from marijuana to the market.

— andrew joseph, STAT, "FDA approves country’s first medicine made from marijuana," 25 June 2018
In recent days, Isakson called the White House to express his concern that Jackson was unqualified, White House officials said,and vouched instead for his ally and former top aide Thomas Bowman, VA's deputy secretary.

— author: seung min kim, lisa rein, josh dawsey, Anchorage Daily News, "Senate to postpone confirmation hearing for Jackson to head Veterans Affairs, White House officials told," 24 Apr. 2018
The effort complemented the one with which Friedman and Sager were involved from 2011 until 2014 to enlist prominent European politicians to vouch for Yanukovych.

— Anchorage Daily News, "With Mueller closing in, Manafort allies jump ship," 7 June 2018
Ashley Siewert and Seth Buske can vouch for how competitive the market for first-time home buyers has become.

— paul gores, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Shopping for your first house? Get ready to compete, act quickly," 18 Mar. 2018
But following Fox News’ contact with the channel, a number of other former colleagues at the radio station put out statements vouching for Reid’s professional conduct.

— lukas mikelionis, Fox News, "MSNBC's Joy Reid threatened colleague, mocked gays during her radio days, ex-bosses say," 7 June 2018
Frederick Carman, one of six attorneys at the firm, also vouched for the quality of legal representation.

— hillary borrud, OregonLive.com, "In Oregon, lawyers for foster children don't even have to show up," 28 Apr. 2018
Owners of psychiatric service animals and of those used for emotional support will need to sign a statement vouching that their animal can behave.

— david koenig, Houston Chronicle, "Good dog, bad dog ... Delta wants to know before you board," 19 Jan. 2018
That would be the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Washable Mascara, which Allure can vouch for.

— emily wang, Allure, "Meghan Markle Loves This $9 Drugstore Mascara So Much, She Recommended It to Her Former Makeup Artist," 25 May 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.