underwrite

[uhn-der-rahyt, uhn-der-rahyt]

verb (used with object)

underwrote, underwritten, underwriting. 

1. to write under or at the foot of, especially under other written matter.

2. to sign one's name, as to a document.

3. to show agreement with or to support by or as if by signing one's name to, as a statement or decision.

4. to bind oneself to contribute a sum of money to (an undertaking).

   Wealthy music lovers underwrote the experimental concerts.

5. to guarantee the sale of (a security issue to be offered to the public for subscription).

6. Insurance.

   1. to write one's name at the end of (a policy), thereby becoming liable in case of certain losses specified in the policy.

   2. to insure.

   3. to assume liability to the extent of (a specified sum) by way of insurance.

   4. to select or rate (risks) for insurance.

verb (used without object)

underwrote, underwritten, underwriting. 

1. to underwrite something.

2. to carry on the business of an underwriter.

underwrite

/ ˌʌndəˈraɪt, ˈʊndəˌraɪt /

verb

1. finance to undertake to purchase at an agreed price any unsold portion of (a public issue of shares, etc)

2. to accept financial responsibility for (a commercial project or enterprise)

3. insurance

   1. to sign and issue (an insurance policy) thus accepting liability if specified losses occur

   2. to insure (a property or risk)

   3. to accept liability up to (a specified amount) in an insurance policy

4. to write (words, a signature, etc) beneath (other written matter); subscribe

5. to support or concur with (a decision, statement, etc) by or as if by signature

Word History and Origins

Origin of underwrite¹

First recorded before 1400–50; late Middle English, translation of Latin subscrībere “to write underneath, sign, subscribe”; subscribe

Example Sentences

Following Europe's recent Ryder Cup success, England Golf is urging the government to underwrite its bid to stage the Solheim Cup in the country for the first time.

From BBC

Last week, the government announced it would underwrite a £1.5bn loan guarantee to JLR in a bid to support its parts and service suppliers.

From BBC

But because Jem, like so many of these characters, is underwritten, Bean has to fall back on generalized manly intensity, which turns their showdowns into actorly exercises.

From Los Angeles Times

Jaguar Land Rover was recently forced to stop production and take a £1.5bn loan underwritten by the government after being targeted by hackers at the end of August.

From BBC

At the weekend it emerged the government will underwrite a £1.5bn loan guarantee to the company in a bid to support its suppliers.

From BBC

Related Words

• approve 
• bankroll 
• finance 
• guarantee 
• provide 
• secure 
• sponsor 
• subsidize