Main Entry: un·der·write

Pronunciation: \ˈən-də(r)-ˌrīt, ˌən-də(r)-ˈ\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): un·der·wrote \-ˌrōt, -ˈrōt\; un·der·writ·ten \-ˌri-t^ən, -ˈri-t^ən\; un·der·writ·ing \-ˌrī-tiŋ, -ˈrī-\

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 : to write under or at the end of something else
2 : to set one's name to (an insurance policy) for the purpose of thereby becoming answerable for a designated loss or damage on consideration of receiving a premium percent : insure on life or property; also : to assume liability for (a sum or risk) as an insurer
3 : to subscribe to : agree to
4 a : to agree to purchase (as security issue) usually on a fixed date at a fixed price with a view to public distribution b : to guarantee financial support of <underwrite a project>intransitive verb : to work as an underwriter