Definitions for underwriteˌʌn dərˈraɪt, ˈʌn dərˌraɪt

un•der•writeˌʌn dərˈraɪt, ˈʌn dərˌraɪt(v.)-wrote, -writ•ten, -writ•ing.

(v.t.)to contribute a sum of money to guarantee the success of (an undertaking).
to guarantee the sale of (a security to be offered for public subscription).
Category: Business
Insurance. to write one's name at the end of (a policy), thereby becoming liable in case of specified losses. to insure. to assume liability to the extent of (a specified sum).
Category: Business
to write under other written matter.
to sign one's name to.
to show agreement with; support.
(v.i.)to underwrite something.
to work as an underwriter.
Category: Business

1400–50; late ME, trans. of L subscrībere to write underneath, sign, subscribe

underwrite, subvention, subvent(verb)
guarantee financial support of
"The opera tour was subvented by a bank"
cover, insure, underwrite(verb)
protect by insurance
"The insurance won't cover this"

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

Origin: From underwriten, from underwritan, equivalent to .

Underwrite(verb)
to write under something else; to subscribe
Underwrite(verb)
to subscribe one's name to for insurance, especially for marine insurance; to write one's name under, or set one's name to, as a policy of insurance, for the purpose of becoming answerable for loss or damage, on consideration of receiving a certain premium per cent; as, individuals, as well as companies, may underwrite policies of insurance
Underwrite(verb)
to practice the business of insuring; to take a risk of insurance on a vessel or the like

Citation

"underwrite." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2013. Web. 22 May 2013. <http://www.definitions.net/definition/underwrite>.