embark

[em-bahrk]

verb (used without object)

1. to board a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle, as for a journey.

2. to start an enterprise, business, etc.

verb (used with object)

1. to put or receive on board a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle.

2. to involve (someone) in an enterprise.

3. to venture or invest (something) in an enterprise.

embark

/ ɛmˈbɑːk /

verb

1. to board (a ship or aircraft)

2. (intr; usually foll by on or upon) to commence or engage (in) a new project, venture, etc

Other Word Forms

• reembark verb
• embarkation noun
• embarkment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of embark¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Middle French embarquer, from Spanish embarcar; from em- em- ¹ + -barcar, verb derivative of barca bark ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of embark¹

C16: via French from Old Provençal embarcar, from _em- + barca boat, _barque

Example Sentences

As Arsenal embarked on a customary lap around the pitch after their Champions League defeat by Lyon, there was a palpable air of frustration.

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For me, the first half of 2025 was filled with sadness and grief, so I decided to embark on a mission.

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The party has decided to embark on a blitz of policy announcements, after a year in which they have endured a recession in attention amid the boom in interest in Reform.

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Her family moved to London in the mid-1950s and, having failed to get the qualifications necessary to go to university, she embarked on a career as a journalist.

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The south London singer had been due to embark on a UK tour in October, followed by tour dates in the US, Mexico and Canada in November and December.

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Related Words

• commence 
• enter 
• launch