commitment

[ kuh-mit-muhnt ]

noun

1. the act of committing.
2. the state of being committed.
3. the act of committing, pledging, or engaging oneself.
4. a pledge or promise; obligation:

   We have made a commitment to pay our bills on time.

5. dedication; allegiance:

   They have a sincere commitment to religion.

6. perpetration or commission, as of a crime.
7. consignment, as to prison.
8. confinement to a mental institution or hospital:

   The psychiatrist recommended commitment.

9. an order, as by a court or judge, confining a person to a mental institution or hospital.
10. Law. a written order of a court directing that someone be confined in prison; mittimus.
11. Parliamentary Procedure. the act of referring or entrusting to a committee for consideration.
12. Stock Exchange.
    1. an agreement to buy or sell securities.
    2. a sale or purchase of securities.

commitment

/ kəˈmɪtmənt /

noun

1. the act of committing or pledging
2. the state of being committed or pledged
3. an obligation, promise, etc that restricts one's freedom of action
4. the referral of a bill to a committee or legislature
5. Also called (esp formerly)mittimus law a written order of a court directing that a person be imprisoned
6. the official consignment of a person to a mental hospital or prison
7. commission or perpetration, esp of a crime
8. a future financial obligation or contingent liability

Other Words From

• noncom·mitment noun
• precom·mitment adjective
• self-com·mitment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of commitment¹

First recorded in 1605–15; commit + -ment

Example Sentences

One resolution to reaffirm "our commitment to immigrant students, families and staff" describes this month's presidential vote as "the election of the candidate who campaigned on an anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQ+ agenda."

From BBC

The question is whether it will be enough to tempt the Dodgers into another commitment of more than half a billion dollars.

From Los Angeles Times

“But we were able to, thanks to our commitment with the family to film in Colombia, in a series format to honor the original structure of the book, and in Spanish for authenticity,” Ramos said.

From Los Angeles Times

They achieved individual and team success, and attracted attention through their hard work, character and commitment.

From Los Angeles Times

“The Fire Inside” and “Mufasa” represent important milestones in a triumphant career that has also had its share of rough moments, including a near-disaster that challenged his commitment to be an inspiration to others.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• engagement
• guarantee
• need
• pledge
• promise
• responsibility