Definition of: underwrite

(un′dər·rīt′) v. ·wrote, ·writ·ten, ·writ·ing v.t.
1. To write beneath; subscribe.
2. In finance, to execute and deliver (a policy of insurance on specified property, especially marine property); insure; assume (a risk) by way of insurance.
3. To engage to buy, at a determined price and time, all or part of the stock in (a new enterprise or company) that is not subscribed for by the public; loosely, to guarantee or assume responsibility for, as an enterprise.
4. To undertake to pay, as a subscription or written pledge of money.
—v.i.
5. To act as an underwriter; especially, to issue a policy of insurance. [OE underwrītan, trans. of L subscribere]