underwrite

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

verb (used with object)

, un·der·wrote [uhn-der-, roht, uhn, -der-roht], un·der·writ·ten [uhn-der-, rit, -n, uhn, -der-rit-], un·der·writ·ing.

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)

, un·der·wrote [uhn-der-, roht, uhn, -der-roht], un·der·writ·ten [uhn-der-, rit, -n, uhn, -der-rit-], un·der·writ·ing.

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

He did, after all, urge oil executives to underwrite his latest campaign in exchange for undoing environmental rules.

From Los Angeles Times

Soon-Shiong’s willingness to underwrite tens of millions of dollars of losses per year has made cuts at The Times, though painful, less extreme than at the some of country’s biggest newspaper chains.

From Los Angeles Times

B. Riley took on $600 million in debt to underwrite the deal and lent Kahn $200 million to establish and take Franchise Group private — with most of the loan secured by shares of Franchise Group.

From Los Angeles Times

The LA Bowl, run by SoFi, is scheduled for Dec. 18 and is helping underwrite the games.

From Los Angeles Times

Its Farm to Food Bank Project Grants, established under the 2018 law, underwrites projects that enable the nation's food banks to have a supply of fresh food produced by local farmers and growers.

From Salon

Related Words

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