Word Direct Answers

What does "undertake" mean?

Undertake: Specifically, to take upon one's self solemnly or expressly; to lay one's self under obligation, or to enter into stipulations, to perform or to execute; to covenant; to contract. I 'll undertake to land them on our coast. Shak.

Additional senses

  1. 2.Hence, to guarantee; to promise; to affirm. And he was not right fat, I undertake. Dryden. And those two counties I will undertake Your grace shall well and quietly enjoiy. Shak. I dare undertake they will not lose their labor. Woodward.
  2. 3.To assume, as a character. [Obs.] Shak.
  3. 4.To engage with; to attack. [Obs.] It is not fit your lordship should undertake every companion that you give offense to. Shak.
  4. 5.To have knowledge of; to hear. [Obs.] Spenser.
  5. 6.To take or have the charge of. [Obs.] "Who undertakes you to your end." Shak. Keep well those that ye undertake. Chaucer.
  6. 7.To take upon one's self, or assume, any business, duty, or province. O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me. Isa. xxxviii.
  7. 8.2. To venture; to hazard. [Obs.] It is the cowish terror of his spirit That dare not undertake. Shak.
  8. 9.To give a promise or guarantee; to be surety. But on mine honor dare I undertake For good lord Titus' innocence in all. Shak.

Sources