undertake
VerbOpen English WordNet
Verb (5)undertaken, undertook, undertaking
- enter upon an activity or enterpriseSynonyms: set aboutattemptMore general initiate, pioneer
- accept as a challenge“I'll tackle this difficult task”Synonyms: tackletake onMore general confront, face upMore specific rise
- promise to do or accomplish“guarantee to free the prisoners”Synonyms: guaranteeMore general promise, assureMore specific underwrite, subvention
- enter into a contractual arrangementSynonyms: contractMore general promise, assureMore specific stipulate, rent, sign
- accept as a chargeSynonyms: take in chargeMore general accept, consent
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: Under + take.
1. To take upon one's self; to engage in; to enter upon; to take in hand; to begin to perform; to set about; to attempt.
To second, or oppose, or undertake The perilous attempt.— John Milton
2. Specifically, to take upon one's self solemnly or expressly; to lay one's self under obligation, or to enter into stipulations, to perform or to execute; to covenant; to contract.
I 'll undertake to land them on our coast.— William Shakespeare
3. Hence, to guarantee; to promise; to affirm.
And he was not right fat, I undertake.— John Dryden
And those two counties I will undertake Your grace shall well and quietly enjoiy.— William Shakespeare
I dare undertake they will not lose their labor.— John Woodward
4. To assume, as a character. obsolete William Shakespeare
5. To engage with; to attack. obsolete
It is not fit your lordship should undertake every companion that you give offense to.— William Shakespeare
6. To have knowledge of; to hear. obsolete Edmund Spenser
7. To take or have the charge of. obsolete “Who undertakes you to your end.” William Shakespeare
Keep well those that ye undertake.— Geoffrey Chaucer
1. To take upon one's self, or assume, any business, duty, or province.
O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me.— Isa. xxxviii. 14.
2. To venture; to hazard. obsolete
It is the cowish terror of his spirit That dare not undertake.— William Shakespeare
3. To give a promise or guarantee; to be surety.
But on mine honor dare I undertake For good lord Titus' innocence in all.— William Shakespeare
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54