English Dictionary

Definition of “undertake

undertake (ˌʌndəˈteɪkPronunciation for undertake

Definitions

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. (intr)  foll by for archaic to make oneself responsible (for)
  5. (tr) to promise

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= take on, embark on, set about, commence, try, begin, attempt, tackle, enter upon, endeavour to do
= agree, promise, contract, guarantee, engage, pledge, covenant, commit yourself take upon yourself

Usage examples

  • God knows, it had suited them well enough that Keith had an unmarried sister available to undertake the task.
    Murray, Stephen, Death and Transfiguration (1994)
  • BMO Nesbitt Burns, Capital Markets does not undertake to trade in all the listed currencies.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • Models with this agency do not do not undertake glamour work.
    Belfast Telegraph (2003)
  • Suddenly I was to be permitted, in a position of responsibility, to undertake the very kind of work I had always liked most.
    Admiral Sandy Woodward, With Patrick Robinson, ONE HUNDRED DAYS (2003)

Browse dictionary