commit

play

verb com·mit \kə-ˈmit\

Simple Definition of commit

: to do (something that is illegal or harmful)
: to decide to use (a person, money, etc.) for some particular purpose or use
: to say that (someone or something) will definitely do something : to make (someone or something) obligated to do something

Full Definition of commit

com·mit·tedcom·mit·ting

transitive verb
1 a : to put into charge or trust : entrust b : to place in a prison or mental institution c : to consign or record for preservation <commit it to memory> d : to put into a place for disposal or safekeeping e : to refer (as a legislative bill) to a committee for consideration and report
2 : to carry into action deliberately : perpetrate <commit a crime>
3 a : obligate, bind <a contract committing the company to complete the project on time> b : to pledge or assign to some particular course or use <commit all troops to the attack> c : to reveal the views of <refused to commit himself on the issue>
intransitive verb
1 obsolete : to perpetrate an offense
2 : to obligate or pledge oneself

com·mit·ta·ble play \-ˈmi-tə-bəl\ adjective

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Examples of commit

The massacre was committed by the rebel army.
The contract commits the company to finishing the bridge by next fall.
He keeps delaying his decision because he doesn't want to commit himself.
They have not yet committed to a particular course of action.

Origin of commit

Middle English committen, from Anglo-French committer, from Latin committere to connect, entrust, from com- + mittere to send

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of commit

commit, entrust, confide, consign, relegate mean to assign to a person or place for a definite purpose. commit may express the general idea of delivering into another's charge or the special sense of transferring to a superior power or to a special place of custody <committed the felon to prison>. entrust implies committing with trust and confidence <the president is entrusted with broad powers>. confide implies entrusting with great assurance or reliance <confided complete control of my affairs to my attorney>. consign suggests removing from one's control with formality or finality <consigned the damaging notes to the fire>. relegate implies a consigning to a particular class or sphere often with a suggestion of getting rid of <relegated to an obscure position in the company>.