self-insure

verb

self-in·​sure ˌself-in-ˈshu̇r How to pronounce self-insure (audio)
-in-ˈshər-
self-insured; self-insuring; self-insures

intransitive verb

: to insure oneself
especially : to practice self-insurance
self-insurer
ˌself-in-ˈshu̇r-ər How to pronounce self-insure (audio)
-in-ˈshər-
noun

Examples of self-insure 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.
On the one hand are people – or private equity firms – with the cash to pay for hugely expensive home upgrades, such as rebuilding on stilts, or who can afford to self-insure and repair their properties. — Stephanie Hanes, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Jan. 2025 And if employers are self-insured, health insurers are also paid administrative fees from employers and governments who buy their services to manage healthcare and manage the pool of employer and worker premium dollars. — Bruce Japsen, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-insure was in 1932

Rhymes for self-insure

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Browse Nearby Words

self-insurance
self-insure
self-interest
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Cite this Entry

“Self-insure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-insure. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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Legal Definition

self-insure

transitive verb
self-in·​sure
ˌself-in-ˈshu̇r
: to insure by self-insurance (as in workers' compensation)
an employer wishing to self-insure its liability— Pennsylvania Statutes

intransitive verb

: to use self-insurance
a governmental agency that self-insures
self-insurer noun
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