committed
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of committed
First recorded in 1840–45; commit ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )
Explanation
If you're committed to something, you're pledged or obligated to do it. If you’ve already jumped out of the plane, you’re committed to your skydive — there’s no turning back! When you're committed to a partner as you are in a marriage or a domestic partnership, it means that you're associated with them exclusively and not with anyone else. Often during wedding ceremonies or vow renewals, you will hear the parties recite a phrase confirming that they are committed to each other, such as "I take you...to have and to hold...to love and to cherish, from this day forward, until death do us part."
Vocabulary lists containing committed
Bush's Address on 9/11
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Argentina have committed more fouls than England, yet have received half as many cautions.
From BBC • Jul. 8, 2026
In an effort to fill the gap, Allied officials said, European nations have now committed all of their new fighter aircraft to NATO’s defense instead of holding some back for their national missions.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 7, 2026
Although no criminal complaints have as yet been made in Morocco, the courts there impose heavier sentences in such crimes when they are committed by a person in a position of authority, according to Debbache.
From Barron's • Jul. 7, 2026
But the story is actually a joyful one: An innovative and committed high school sociology teacher in Tennessee, Alex Campbell, teaches a class that reopens these cold cases and gives new life to the investigations.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2026
His ability to be totally focused on something, to be committed with determination and enthusiasm, made him a leader.
From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
