Commits to and begins a task, project, or responsibility, especially one that is challenging or significant. It implies a formal or serious commitment to complete something.
From Middle English, combining 'under' (in the sense of 'among' or 'between') and 'take'. Originally meant 'to take in hand' or 'to catch', later developing the meaning of accepting responsibility for a task.
The word 'undertaker' originally meant anyone who undertook tasks - it wasn't until the 18th century that it became specifically associated with funeral directors who 'undertook' burial arrangements!
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