Undertake

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ÊŒndəˈteɪk/
• Rhymes: -eɪk

Origin

From Middle English undertaken, equivalent to - + take (after undernim).

Full definition of undertake

Verb

1. (transitive) To take upon oneself; to start, to embark on (a specific task etc.).
• MiltonTo second, or oppose, or undertake
  The perilous attempt.
2. (intransitive) To commit oneself (to an obligation, activity etc.).He undertook to exercise more in future.
• ShakespeareI'll undertake to land them on our coast.
3. (informal) to overtake on the wrong side.I hate people who try and undertake on the motorway.
4. (archaic, intransitive) To pledge; to assert, assure; to dare say.
• 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book VII:"I have now aspyed one knyght," he seyde, "that woll play hys play at the justys, I undirtake."
• DrydenAnd he was not right fat, I undertake.
• ShakespeareAnd those two counties I will undertake
  Your grace shall well and quietly enjoiy.
• WoodwardI dare undertake they will not lose their labour.
5. (obsolete, transitive) To take by trickery; to trap, to seize upon.
• 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book IX:So Sir Trystram endured there grete payne, for syknes had undirtake hym – and that ys the grettist payne a presoner may have ...
6. (obsolete) To assume, as a character; to take on.
7. (obsolete) To engage with; to attack.
• ShakespeareIt is not fit your lordship should undertake every companion that you give offence to.
8. (obsolete) To have knowledge of; to hear.
9. (obsolete) To have or take charge of.
• ChaucerKeep well those that ye undertake.
• Shakespearewho undertakes you to your end

Usage notes

Sense: To commit oneself. This is a catenative verb that takes the to infinitive.

See

Derived terms

• undertaker
• undertaking