underwrite

Meanings

1. To write below or under; subscribe.
2. To subscribe (a document, policy etc.) with one's name.
3. To sign; to put one's name to.
4. To agree to pay by signing one's name; subscribe.
5. Specifically, to assume financial responsibility for something, and guarantee it against failure.
6. To act as an underwriter.
7. To support, lend support to, guarantee the basis of.
8. To submit to; put up with.

Etymology

From Middle English underwriten, from Old English underwrītan (“to write at the foot of, write under, subscribe”). Compare Dutch onderschrijven (“to endorse”), German unterschreiben (“to sign; endorse”), Danish underskrive (“to sign; endorse”). By surface analysis, under- + write.