undertake Meaning, Definition & Usage
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verb enter upon an activity or enterprise
set about; attempt.
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verb accept as a challenge
tackle; take on.
- I'll tackle this difficult task
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verb promise to do or accomplish
guarantee.
- guarantee to free the prisoners
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verb enter into a contractual arrangement
contract.
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verb accept as a charge
take in charge.
WordNet
Un`der*take" transitive verb
Etymology
Wordforms
Definitions
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To take upon one's self; to engage in; to enter upon; to take in hand; to begin to perform; to set about; to attempt. To second, or oppose, or undertake The perilous attempt. Milton.
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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.
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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.
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To assume, as a character. Obs. Shak. -
To engage with; to attack. Obs.It is not fit your lordship should undertake every companion that you give offense to. Shak.
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To have knowledge of; to hear. Obs. Spenser. -
To take or have the charge of. Obs. "Who undertakes you to your end." Shak.Keep well those that ye undertake. Chaucer.
Un`der*take" intransitive verb
Definitions
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To take upon one's self, or assume, any business, duty, or province. O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me. Isa. xxxviii. 14.
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To venture; to hazard. Obs.It is the cowish terror of his spirit That dare not undertake. Shak.
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To give a promise or guarantee; to be surety. But on mine honor dare I undertake For good lord Titus' innocence in all. Shak.
