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

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of undertake¹

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

Example Sentences

If successful, the research undertaken by the team at UL also has the potential to remove environmentally damaging materials such as lead from consumer electronics.

From Science Daily

Dr McCrea believes more could be done to educate the public about how to be safer on the road, including encouraging more young people to undertake advance driving courses at an early stage.

From BBC

Concluding the inquest, coroner Oliver Longstaff said the evidence was clear that Miss Senior had “undertaken some research on how to end one’s life” and had attempted to do so on two previous occasions.

From BBC

The Secret Service, which will take a lead role, called it “a huge undertaking” and costs are expected to be $1 billion to $2 billion.

From Los Angeles Times

"The Trust has already undertaken an investigation into Mr Trolan's care and identified learning which has been shared with staff," they added.

From BBC

Related Words

• begin
• commence
• guarantee
• initiate
• launch
• offer
• shoulder
• tackle
• try