Pledge

As a Noun

1. A serious promise or commitment.
2. A formal agreement to do or support something.
3. Something given as security for a loan or debt.

As a Verb

1. To make a serious promise or commitment.
2. To give something as a guarantee or assurance.
3. To formally agree to support a cause or organization.

As Other Form

• Pledged (Adjective): Formally committed or promised.

Word History

The word pledge comes from the Old French plege, meaning “guarantee” or “security,” which is derived from the Latin plebiscitum (a formal agreement). Originally, it referred to giving something as a guarantee for a debt, but over time, it came to mean any serious promise or commitment.

Examples

1. He made a pledge to donate to charity. (Noun)
2. The president took a pledge to serve the country. (Noun)
3. She pledged to help those in need. (Verb)
4. He pledged his support for the project. (Verb)
5. They pledged their loyalty to the team. (Verb)

Synonyms

Promise, vow, commitment, oath, guarantee

Related Words

Assurance, bond, contract, obligation

Antonyms

Break, denial, refusal, betrayal