Examples Word Origin
See more synonyms for undertake on Thesaurus.com verb (used with object), un·der·took, un·der·tak·en, un·der·tak·ing. to take upon oneself, as a task, performance, etc.; attempt: She undertook the job of answering all the mail. to promise, agree, or obligate oneself (followed by an infinitive): The married couple undertook to love, honor, and cherish each other. to warrant or guarantee (followed by a clause): The sponsors undertake that their candidate meets all the requirements. to take in charge; assume the duty of attending to: The lawyer undertook a new case. Show More
verb (used without object), un·der·took, un·der·tak·en, un·der·tak·ing. Archaic to engage oneself by promise; give a guarantee, or become surety. Show More
Origin of undertake 1150–1200; Middle English undertaken; see
under- ,
take Related forms pre·un·der·take , verb (used with object), pre·un·der·took, pre·un·der·tak·en, pre·un·der·tak·ing. Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for undertake shoulder ,
begin ,
launch ,
offer ,
try ,
initiate ,
tackle ,
commence ,
guarantee ,
covenant ,
stake ,
pledge ,
devote ,
move ,
bargain ,
stipulate ,
embark ,
promise ,
contract ,
venture Examples from the Web for undertake Contemporary Examples of undertake (1) Only charities and non-profits should ask for unpaid workers to staff their operations or undertake time-consuming projects.
“However, it is still unclear to me if the U.S. and its allies are prepared to undertake such a comprehensive approach,” he says.
His gun is available to anyone willing to undertake a few minutes of Internet research.
Pronouncing illegality, governments will often undertake demolitions of slum houses.
She will be remembered as a strong leader and a person willing to undertake difficult tasks to achieve long-term objectives.
Historical Examples of undertake Who, again, could undertake the permanent care of his mother?
No one must undertake a journey in the Lozre with a scantily-furnished purse.
On no other condition, added Nicias, would he undertake the command.
I never give up what I once commence, and I never fail in what I undertake !
Well, I undertake to stand 'em off for a bit; you take the bag and run for it.
British Dictionary definitions for undertake verb -takes , -taking , -took or -taken (tr) to contract to or commit oneself to (something) or (to do something) to undertake a job ; to undertake to deliver the goods (tr) to attempt to; agree to start (tr) to take (someone) in charge (intr foll by for ) archaic to make oneself responsible (for) (tr) to promise Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for undertake v. c.1200, "to entrap," in the same sense as Old English underniman (cf. Dutch ondernemen , German unternehmen ), of which it is a partial loan-translation, from under + take . Cf. also French entreprendre "to undertake," from entre "between, among" + prendre "to take." The under in this word may be the same one that also may form the first element of understand . Meaning "to accept" is attested from mid-13c.; that of "to take upon oneself, to accept the duty of" is from c.1300.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
