commitment

[kuh-mit-muhnt]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of commitment¹

First recorded in 1605–15; commit + -ment

Example Sentences

In his concluding chapter, “War for War’s Sake,” Daddis underscores the stubborn commitment to war that prevails among many Americans, despite the costly and disastrous wars of this century.

From Salon

This follows a commitment made by the Labour Party in its manifesto and further commitments by PM Sir Keir Starmer in September that the practice would be "banned for good".

From BBC

Proposition 50 would mark a sudden departure from California’s 15-year commitment to independent redistricting, often held up as the country’s gold standard.

From Los Angeles Times

In speech at Labour's conference, Miliband said fracking would "not take a penny off bills" and "trash our climate commitments".

From BBC

"These are a long-overdue first step, but the government is far away from meeting its manifesto commitment to end junk food advertising to kids."

From BBC

Related Words

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