reinsure

verb

re·​in·​sure ˌrē-ən-ˈshu̇r How to pronounce reinsure (audio)
ˌrē-ən-ˈshər
reinsured; reinsuring; reinsures

transitive verb

1
: to insure again by transferring to another insurance company all or a part of a liability assumed
2
: to insure again by assuming all or a part of the liability of an insurance company already covering a risk

intransitive verb

: to provide increased insurance
reinsurer noun

Examples of reinsure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An intermediary is any entity that issues a contract to an insured, which contract is reinsured directly or indirectly by a captive. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 The International Group of P&I Clubs collectively insures approximately 90% of the world's ocean-going tonnage and member P&I clubs mutually reinsure each other by sharing claims above $10 million. — Sinead Cruise, USA TODAY, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1702, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reinsure was in 1702

Rhymes for reinsure

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Browse Nearby Words

reinsurance reserve
reinsure
reintegrate
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Cite this Entry

“Reinsure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reinsure. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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Legal Definition

reinsure

transitive verb
re·​in·​sure ˌrē-ən-ˈshu̇r How to pronounce reinsure (audio)
: to insure again : transfer or assume (liability) through reinsurance
frequently reinsure part of their exposure— R. I. Mehr
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