promise: Meaning and Definition of

prom•ise

1. a declaration that something will or will not be done, given, etc., by one: unkept political promises.
2. an express assurance on which expectation is to be based: promises that an enemy will not win.
3. something that has the effect of an express assurance; indication of what may be expected.
4. indication of future excellence or achievement: a writer who shows promise.
5. something that is promised.

1. to engage or undertake by promise (usually used with an infinitive or a clause as object): She promised to go tomorrow.
2. to make a promise of (some specified act, gift, etc.): to promise help.
3. to make a promise of something to (a specified person): Promise me that you will come.
4. to afford ground for expecting: The sky promised a storm.
5. to engage to join in marriage.
6. to assure (used in emphatic declarations): I won't go there again, I promise you that!

1. to afford ground for expectation (often fol. by well or fair): His forthcoming novel promises well.
2. to make a promise.