Underwrite

Quick meaning: Underwrite is a verb meaning (transitive) To write below or under; subscribe.

Meaning

(transitive) To write below or under; subscribe.

More Meanings

1. (transitive, intransitive, obsolete) To subscribe (a document, policy etc.) with one's name.
2. (transitive) To sign; to put one's name to.
3. (transitive) To agree to pay by signing one's name; subscribe.
4. (transitive) Specifically, to assume financial responsibility for something, and guarantee it against failure.
5. (intransitive, insurance) To act as an underwriter.
6. (transitive) To support, lend support to, guarantee the basis of.
7. (obsolete, transitive) To submit to; put up with.

Example Sentences

Diſguiſe the holy ſtrength of their command: / And vnder write in an obſeruing kinde

The broker who procures the insurance […]ought not, by underwriting the policy, to deprive the parties of his unbiased testimony.

Dr. Beeching's obvious intent is that if Scottish—and similarly unprofitable English and Welsh—railways are to be maintained, it must be done by an unconcealed subsidy; he is determined that the railways shall no longer be preoccupied with—and derided for—immense deficits which include the burden of social services the State must openly underwrite, if it wants them.

Word Forms

• underwrites
• underwriting
• underwrote
• underwrit
• underwritten

Synonyms for underwrite

Depending on context, synonyms include cover, insure.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include insure, cover, fund, finance, defray, guarantee.

Related Dictionary Tools