undertake

Undertake means to start something or agree to do something.

(verb)

  1. An example of to undertake is to begin a journey.
  2. An example of to undertake is to sign a contract for a new job.

To undertake is defined as to manage funerals and burials.

(verb)

An example of to undertake is run a funeral home.

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See undertake in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb undertook, undertaken, undertaking

  1. to take upon oneself; agree to do; enter into or upon (a task, journey, etc.)
  2. to give a promise or pledge that; contract: he undertook to be their guide
  3. to promise; guarantee
  4. to make oneself responsible for; take over as a charge

Origin: ME undertaken: see under- & take

intransitive verb

  1. Archaic to take on responsibility, pledge oneself, guarantee, or be surety (for)
  2. Informal to work as an undertaker (sense )

See undertake in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb un·der·took (-to͝okˈ), un·der·tak·en, un·der·tak·ing, un·der·takes
verb, transitive
  1. To take upon oneself; decide or agree to do: undertake a task.
  2. To pledge or commit oneself: undertake to care for an elderly relative.
  3. To set about; begin.
  4. Obsolete To accept combat with.
verb, intransitive
Archaic
To make oneself responsible. Used with for.

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