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View synonyms for undertake

undertake

[ uhn-der-teyk ]

verb (used with object)

, un·der·took [uhn-der-, took], un·der·tak·en, un·der·tak·ing.
  1. to take upon oneself, as a task, performance, etc.; attempt:

    She undertook the job of answering all the mail.

  2. to promise, agree, or obligate oneself (followed by an infinitive):

    The married couple undertook to love, honor, and cherish each other.

  3. to warrant or guarantee (followed by a clause):

    The sponsors undertake that their candidate meets all the requirements.

  4. to take in charge; assume the duty of attending to:

    The lawyer undertook a new case.



verb (used without object)

, un·der·took [uhn-der-, took], un·der·tak·en, un·der·tak·ing.
  1. Archaic. to engage oneself by promise; give a guarantee, or become surety.

undertake

/ ˌʌndəˈteɪk /

verb

  1. tr to contract to or commit oneself to (something) or (to do something)

    to undertake a job

    to undertake to deliver the goods

  2. tr to attempt to; agree to start
  3. tr to take (someone) in charge
  4. archaic.
    intrfoll byfor to make oneself responsible (for)
  5. tr to promise
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Words From

  • preun·der·take verb (used with object) preundertook preundertaken preundertaking
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Word History and Origins

Origin of undertake1

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English undertaken; under-, take
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Example Sentences

"This review included all cases undertaken by this individual, with the exception of any cases in which the body part had already received a follow up examination by an independent consultant radiologist," they added.

From BBC

It said that efforts must be undertaken to prepare for the effects of 4C of warning, regardless of international agreements with targets to limit warming to 1.5C.

From BBC

The paper was an ambitious undertaking, featuring more than 170 contributors from 118 universities or institutes and 14 editors, including Sousa.

Unlike Kennedy, Wilson undertook her crusade without the advantages of inherited wealth.

From Salon

She continued to organise with the movement while in Zambia and Tanzania, before moving to the UK to undertake an International Relations degree.

From BBC

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