Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

promise

1 verb
     
prom‧ise1 S2 W2
1 [intransitive and transitive] to tell someone that you will definitely do or provide something or that something will happen:
Last night the headmaster promised a full investigation.
promise to do something
She's promised to do all she can to help.
promise (that)
Hurry up - we promised we wouldn't be late.
promise somebody (that)
You promised me the car would be ready on Monday.
'Promise me you won't do anything stupid.' 'I promise.'
promise something to somebody
I've promised that book to Ian, I'm afraid.
promise somebody something
The company promised us a bonus this year.
'I'll be back by 1.00.' ' Promise?' 'Yes! Don't worry.'
He reappeared two hours later, as promised.
2 [transitive] to show signs of something
promise to be something
Tonight's meeting promises to be a difficult one.
dark clouds promising showers later
3

promise somebody the moon/the earth

to promise to give someone something that is impossible for you to give
4

I can't promise (anything)

spoken used to tell someone that you will try to do what they want, but may not be able to:
I'll try my best to get tickets, but I can't promise anything.
5

I promise you

spoken used to emphasize a promise, warning, or statement:
I promise you, it does work!
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
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