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.

• "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:"