enterprise

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a purposeful or industrious undertaking, especially one that requires effort or boldness

   They had doubts about the whole enterprise.

2. 2
   noun

   an organization created for business ventures

   a growing enterprise must have a bold leader

3. 3
   noun

   A company, business, organization, or other purposeful endeavor.

   The government sponsored enterprises (GSEs) are a group of financial services corporations which have been created by the United States Congress.

4. 4
   noun

   An undertaking, venture, or project, especially a daring and courageous one.

   Biosphere 2 was a scientific enterprise aimed at the exploration of the complex web of interactions within life systems.

5. 5
   noun

   A willingness to undertake new or risky projects; energy and initiative.

   He has shown great enterprise throughout his early career.

6. 6
   verb

   To undertake an enterprise, or something hazardous or difficult.

   Charles Mordaunt Earl of Peterborow[…], with only 280 horse and 950 foot , enterprised and accomplished the Conquest of Valentia

7. 7
   verb

   To undertake; to begin and attempt to perform; to venture upon.

   The business must be enterprised this night.

8. 8
   verb

   To put up or house; to entertain.

   Him at the threshold met, and well did enterprize.

Etymology

From Old French via Middle English and Middle French entreprise, feminine past participle of entreprendre (“to undertake”), from entre (“in between”) + prendre (“to take”), from Latin inter + prehendō, see prehensile.