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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• noncommitment noun
• precommitment adjective
• self-commitment noun

Etymology

Origin of commitment

First recorded in 1605–15; commit + -ment

Example Sentences

The commitment also illustrates how U.S. policy toward Taiwan tends to vary little between administrations, owing to strong support in Congress and the American military establishment.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We’re paying them a point for a commitment of money they don’t have.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Warren said a failure to secure commitments over infrastructure had created "uncertainty" with "significant consequences."

From Barron's

“It also showcases the commitment that South Africa shares with the United States to combating illegal immigration and visa abuse in all its forms.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Speaking to the Belgian parliament Thursday, de Wever said he was open to compromise if Belgium receives tight, binding commitments to ensure that it won’t be left on the hook.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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