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Definition of "underwrite" []

  • To assume financial responsibility for; guarantee against failure: underwrite a theatrical production. (verb-transitive)
  • To sign (an insurance policy) so as to assume liability in case of specified losses. (verb-transitive)
  • To insure. (verb-transitive)
  • To insure against losses totaling (a given amount). (verb-transitive)
  • To guarantee the purchase of (a full issue of stocks or bonds). (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "underwrite" in a sentence
  • "If it is not fully subscribed, they will get all that they have asked for, and the balance left over will be taken up in most cases by a syndicate formed by the bank or firm that issued the loan, to "underwrite" it."
  • "The same Board member told Slugger O'Toole Mr Baggott in no sense gave any commitment to 'underwrite' anyone's job when the current full time reserves leave the PSNI."
  • "Let me elaborate on why individual investors should never sell / "underwrite" financial options / insurance:"