undertake

English

/ʌndəˈteɪk/

verb
Definitions
  • (transitive) To take upon oneself; to start, to embark on (a specific task etc.).
  • (intransitive) To commit oneself (to an obligation, activity etc.).
  • (informal) To overtake on the wrong side.
  • (archaic) To pledge; to assert, assure; to dare say.
  • (obsolete) To take by trickery; to trap, to seize upon.
  • (obsolete) To assume, as a character; to take on.
  • (obsolete) To engage with; to attack, take on in a fight.
  • (obsolete) To have knowledge of; to hear.
  • (obsolete) To have or take charge of.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English undertaken prefix from English take.

Origin

English

take

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms