surety

noun

sure·​ty ˈshu̇r(-ə)-tē 

ˈshər-

plural sureties

1

: the state of being sure: such as

a

: sure knowledge : certainty

b

: confidence in manner or behavior : assurance

2

a

: a formal engagement (such as a pledge) given for the fulfillment of an undertaking : guarantee

b

: a basis of confidence or security

3

: one who has become legally liable for the debt, default, or failure in duty of another

suretyship

ˈshu̇r(-ə)-tē-ˌship 

ˈshər-

noun

Synonyms

• bond
• contract
• covenant
• deal
• guarantee
• guaranty
• warranty

Examples of surety in a Sentence

As sureties, they will be liable in his place.

gave his surety that he would pay back the loan if his sister was unable to for any reason

Recent Examples on the Web

So the truly diabolical temptation might be not the one depicted in these stories but the one the story as story teases: the reader’s own religious surety. —James Wood, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2024

In most communities, law enforcement was handled by the Justices of the Peace who used a legal tool inherited from England, sureties, which were also known as peace or good-behavior bonds. —Saul Cornell / Made By History, TIME, 26 July 2024

Though a standard mounting of this work usually sees a cast anywhere from 15 or 20, Chance daringly strips deeper to the bone, a taut ensemble of nine carried by directorial surety and sufficient theatrical talent at work powering Christopher Bond’s 2-hour, 45-minute adaptation. —Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 23 July 2024

Bell was released on a $10,000 cash/surety and is also scheduled to appear in court on July 29. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English seurte, from Anglo-French seurté, from Latin securitat-, securitas security, from securus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing surety

• stand surety
• surety bond

Kids Definition

surety

noun

sure·​ty ˈshu̇r-ət-ē 

ˈshu̇(ə)rt-ē

plural sureties

1

: sure knowledge : certainty

2

: a formal agreement to do something : guarantee

3

: one who takes legal responsibility for another's debt or failure in duty

Legal Definition

surety

noun

sure·​ty ˈshu̇r-ə-tē 

plural sureties

1

: a formal engagement (as a pledge) given for the fulfillment of an undertaking

2

: one (as an accommodation party) who promises to answer for the debt or default of another

Note: At common law a surety is distinguished from a guarantor by being immediately liable as opposed to becoming liable only upon default of the principal. Under the Uniform Commercial Code, however, a surety includes a guarantor, and the two terms are generally interchangeable.

Etymology

Anglo-French seurté, literally, guarantee, security, from Old French, from Latin securitat-, securitas, from securus secure