vouch

/vaʊtʃ/

/vəʊtʃ/

Other forms: vouched; vouches; vouching

If you vouch for someone, you provide evidence or guarantee something on their behalf. If you vouch for your brother, you're saying he's a stand-up type of guy.

First used in the 14th century, vouch comes from the Latin vocitare, ("to call, call upon, or summon"). Sometimes it can mean offering supporting evidence, as when, for example, you're summoned to court to testify on someone's behalf. If you write a letter of recommendation for a student or co-worker, you vouch for their character and abilities. If you take out a student loan, the government will automatically vouch for you, that is, they'll guarantee the loan will be repaid.

Definitions of vouch

1. verb

   give personal assurance; guarantee
   “Will he vouch for me?”

   type of:

   attest, bear witness, take the stand, testify

   give testimony in a court of law
2. verb

   give surety or assume responsibility
   “I vouch for the quality of my products”

   synonyms: guarantee

   assure, ensure, guarantee, insure, secure

   make certain of

   types:

   bail

   secure the release of (someone) by providing security

   stipulate

   give a guarantee or promise of

   secure

   assure payment of

   certify

   guarantee payment on; of checks

   type of:

   pledge, plight

   promise solemnly and formally
3. verb

   give supporting evidence
   “He vouched his words by his deeds”

   type of:

   affirm, confirm, corroborate, substantiate, support, sustain

   establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts
4. verb

   summon (a vouchee) into court to warrant or defend a title
   type of:

   cite, summon, summons

   call in an official matter, such as to attend court