undertake

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To take upon oneself; to start, to embark on (a specific task etc.).

   This said, he sat; and expectation held His look suspense, awaiting who appeared To second, or oppose, or undertake The perilous attempt.

2. 2
   verb

   To commit oneself (to an obligation, activity etc.).

   He undertook to exercise more in future.

3. 3
   verb

   To pledge; to assert, assure; to dare say.

   That is her ransom; I deliver her; And those two counties I will undertake Your grace shall well and quietly enjoy.

4. 4
   verb

   To assume, as a character; to take on.

   Quince. […] you must needs play Pyramus. Bottom. Well, I will undertake it.

5. 5
   verb

   To engage with; to attack, take on in a fight.

   It is not fit your lordship should undertake every companion that you give offence to.

6. 6
   verb

   To have knowledge of; to hear.

   Ne he his mouth would open unto wight, Untill that Guyon selfe unto him spake, And called Brigadore, (so was he hight,) Whose voice so soone as he did undertake, Eftsoones he stood as still as any stake,

7. 7
   verb

   To have or take charge of.

   To the water side I must conduct your grace; Then give my charge up to Sir Nicholas Vaux, Who undertakes you to your end.

8. 8
   verb

   enter into a contractual arrangement

Etymology

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