underwrite

[ uhn-der-rahyt, uhn-der-rahyt ]
/ ˌʌn dərˈraɪt, ˈʌn dərˌraɪt /

verb (used with object), un·der·wrote, un·der·writ·ten, un·der·writ·ing.

verb (used without object), un·der·wrote, un·der·writ·ten, un·der·writ·ing.

to underwrite something.
to carry on the business of an underwriter.

Origin of underwrite

1400–50; late Middle English, translation of Latin subscrībere to write underneath, sign, subscribe

Example sentences from the Web for underwrite

British Dictionary definitions for underwrite

underwrite
/ (ˈʊndəˌraɪt, ˌʌndəˈraɪt) /

verb -writes, -writing, -wrote or -written (tr)

finance to undertake to purchase at an agreed price any unsold portion of (a public issue of shares, etc)
to accept financial responsibility for (a commercial project or enterprise)
insurance
  1. to sign and issue (an insurance policy) thus accepting liability if specified losses occur
  2. to insure (a property or risk)
  3. to accept liability up to (a specified amount) in an insurance policy
to write (words, a signature, etc) beneath (other written matter); subscribe
to support or concur with (a decision, statement, etc) by or as if by signature