vouchsafe

verb vouch·safe \vau̇ch-ˈsāf, ˈvau̇ch-ˌ\

: to give (something) to someone as a promise or a privilege

vouch·safedvouch·saf·ing

Full Definition of VOUCHSAFE

transitive verb

a : to grant or furnish often in a gracious or condescending manner

b : to give by way of reply <refused to vouchsafe an explanation>

: to grant as a privilege or special favor

— vouch·safe·ment \vau̇ch-ˈsāf-mənt\ noun

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Origin of VOUCHSAFE

Middle English vouchen sauf to grant, consent, deign, from Anglo-French voucher salf

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of VOUCHSAFE

grant, concede, vouchsafe, accord, award mean to give as a favor or a right. grant implies giving to a claimant or petitioner something that could be withheld <granted them a new hearing>. concede implies yielding something reluctantly in response to a rightful or compelling claim <even her critics concede she can be charming>. vouchsafe implies granting something as a courtesy or an act of gracious condescension <vouchsafed the secret to only a few chosen disciples>. accord implies giving to another what is due or proper <accorded all the honors befitting a head of state>. award implies giving what is deserved or merited usually after a careful weighing of pertinent factors <awarded the company a huge defense contract>.