underwrite

American  

[uhn-der-rahyt, uhn-der-rahyt] / ˌʌn dərˈraɪt, ˈʌn dərˌraɪt /

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.

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verb (used without object)

underwrote, underwritten, underwriting

1. to underwrite something.

2. to carry on the business of an underwriter.

underwrite British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of underwrite

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

Example Sentences

The Consumer Bankers Association estimated earlier this year that the private sector could underwrite student loans for at least 75% of graduate students who would have otherwise taken on more federal debt.

From MarketWatch

Lindbergh knew a man with the wealth, vision and courage to underwrite Goddard’s project—Daniel Guggenheim, Harry’s father.

From The Wall Street Journal

But moves to expand sanctions mean some vessels that were legally underwritten might now be banned from payouts.

From The Wall Street Journal

Currently, much of the concern focuses on specific situations where underwriting standards and governance fell short.

From MarketWatch

This growth comes after Plaid pushed into new business lines—including payments, antifraud services and underwriting.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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