Definition of promise

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prom·ise    (prms) KEY 

NOUN:

1. 1. A declaration assuring that one will or will not do something; a vow.
   2. Something promised.
2. Indication of something favorable to come; expectation: a promise of spring in the air.
3. Indication of future excellence or success: a player of great promise.

VERB:
prom·ised, prom·is·ing, prom·is·es
VERB:
tr.

1. To commit oneself by a promise to do or give; pledge: left but promised to return.
2. To afford a basis for expecting: thunderclouds that promise rain.

VERB:
intr.

1. To make a declaration assuring that something will or will not be done.
2. To afford a basis for expectation: an enterprise that promises well.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English promis, from Old French promise, from Medieval Latin prmissa, alteration of Latin prmissum, from neuter past participle of prmittere, to send forth, promise : pr-, forth ; see pro-¹ + mittere, to send

OTHER FORMS:
promis·er(Noun)

SYNONYMS:
promise, pledge, swear, vow¹

These verbs mean to declare solemnly that one will follow a particular course of action: promises to write soon; pledged to uphold the law; swore to get revenge; vowed to fight to the finish.