commitment

American  

[kuh-mit-muhnt] / kəˈmɪt mənt /

noun

1. the act of committing.

2. the state of being committed.

3. the act of committing, pledging, or engaging oneself.

4. a pledge or promise; obligation.

   We have made a commitment to pay our bills on time.

5. dedication; allegiance.

   They have a sincere commitment to religion.

6. perpetration or commission, as of a crime.

7. consignment, as to prison.

8. confinement to a mental institution or hospital.

   The psychiatrist recommended commitment.

9. an order, as by a court or judge, confining a person to a mental institution or hospital.

10. Law. a written order of a court directing that someone be confined in prison; mittimus.

11. Parliamentary Procedure. the act of referring or entrusting to a committee for consideration.

12. Stock Exchange.

    1. an agreement to buy or sell securities.

    2. a sale or purchase of securities.

---

commitment British  

/ kəˈmɪtmənt /

noun

1. the act of committing or pledging

2. the state of being committed or pledged

3. an obligation, promise, etc that restricts one's freedom of action

4. the referral of a bill to a committee or legislature

5. Also called (esp formerly): mittimus.  law a written order of a court directing that a person be imprisoned

6. the official consignment of a person to a mental hospital or prison

7. commission or perpetration, esp of a crime

8. a future financial obligation or contingent liability

---

Other Word Forms

• noncommitment noun
• precommitment adjective
• self-commitment noun

Etymology

Origin of commitment

First recorded in 1605–15; commit + -ment

Example Sentences

The My Voice, My Choice group behind the initiative has hailed the decision as a victory for women in Europe and a political commitment to women's rights.

From BBC

I don't like to question anyone's commitment but, in this scenario, I think you have no choice.

From BBC

Crucially, the proposal included a commitment from Oracle founder Larry Ellison to contribute additional funding if needed to support solvency requirements from Paramount's lending banks.

From Barron's

Embassy in Paris said that later on Tuesday Kushner and Barrot had a “frank and amicable call, reaffirming their shared commitment to working together, along with all other ministers and French officials.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Paramount’s updated proposal contained several key sweeteners, including a commitment from tech billionaire Larry Ellison, through his Ellison Trust, to guarantee $45.7 billion in equity financing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• engagement
• guarantee
• need
• pledge
• promise
• responsibility