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

She’s about to embark on a reverse-image search when Woo finishes his food.

Read more on Literature

Ian Stephen from Perthshire was 28 when he embarked on a road trip to Paris with four friends to see Scotland play in the tournament's opening match against Brazil on 10 June 1998.

Read more on BBC

Ohtani himself presents another question for next regular season, as he embarks on what will be his first full-time season as a two-way player since 2023.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The shift comes as its home market embarks on a spending spree to upgrade its infrastructure and accelerate a rearmament push.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

South Africa and New Zealand have bucked that trend by announcing they will embark on multi-match trips to each other on a four-yearly basis.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• commence 
• enter 
• launch