pledge

pledge (pl

1. A solemn binding promise to do, give, or refrain from doing something: signed a pledge never to reveal the secret; a pledge of money to a charity.

a. Something given or held as security to guarantee payment of a debt or fulfillment of an obligation.

b. The condition of something thus given or held: put an article in pledge.

3. Law

a. Delivery of goods or personal property as security for a debt or obligation: a loan requiring a pledge of property.

b. The contract by which such delivery is made.

4. A token or sign: "fair pledges of a fruitful tree" Robert Herrick.

5. A person who has been accepted for membership in a fraternity or similar organization and has promised to join but has not yet been initiated.

6. The act of drinking in honor of someone; a toast.

7. A vow to abstain from alcoholic liquor: ex-drinkers who have taken the pledge.

v. pledged, pledg·ing, pledg·es

v.tr.

1. To offer or guarantee by a solemn binding promise: pledge loyalty to a nation. See Synonyms at devote, promise.

2. To bind or secure by or as if by a pledge: pledged themselves to the cause.

3. To deposit as security; pawn.

a. To promise to join (a fraternity or similar organization).

b. To accept as a prospective member of such an organization.

5. To drink a toast to.

v.intr.

1. To make a solemn binding promise; swear.

2. To drink a toast.

[Middle English, from Old French plege, probably from Late Latin plevium, a security, of Germanic origin; see dlegh- in Indo-European roots.]

pledge

Noun

1. a solemn promise

a. something valuable given as a guarantee that a promise will be kept or a debt paid

b. the condition of being used as security: in pledge

3. a token: a pledge of good faith

4. an assurance of support or goodwill, given by drinking a toast: we drank a pledge to their success

5. take or sign the pledge to vow not to drink alcohol

Verb

[pledging, pledged]

1. to promise solemnly

2. to promise to give (money to charity, etc)

3. to bind by or as if by a pledge: I was pledged to secrecy

4. to give (one's word or property) as a guarantee

5. to drink a toast to (a person or cause) [Old French plege]

ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms

Noun	1.	pledge - a deposit of personal property as security for a debt; "his saxophone was in pledge" security interest - any interest in a property that secures the payment of an obligation pawn - an article deposited as security
	2.	pledge - someone accepted for membership but not yet fully admitted to the group fellow member, member - one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization); "only members will be admitted"; "a member of the faculty"; "she was introduced to all the members of his family"
	3.	pledge - a drink in honor of or to the health of a person or event toast drink - a single serving of a beverage; "I asked for a hot drink"; "likes a drink before dinner"
	4.	pledge - a binding commitment to do or give or refrain from something; "an assurance of help when needed"; "signed a pledge never to reveal the secret" assurance dedication, commitment - a message that makes a pledge guarantee, warranty, warrantee, warrant - a written assurance that some product or service will be provided or will meet certain specifications guarantee - an unconditional commitment that something will happen or that something is true; "there is no guarantee that they are not lying" plight, troth - a solemn pledge of fidelity vow - a solemn pledge (to oneself or to another or to a deity) to do something or to behave in a certain manner; "they took vows of poverty"
Verb	1.	pledge - promise solemnly and formally; "I pledge that I will honor my wife" plight promise, assure - make a promise or commitment vow - make a vow; promise; "He vowed never to drink alcohol again" guarantee, vouch - give surety or assume responsibility; "I vouch for the quality of my products" covenant - enter into a covenant or formal agreement; "They covenanted with Judas for 30 pieces of silver"; "The nations covenanted to fight terrorism around the world" covenant - enter into a covenant
	2.	pledge - pay (an amount of money) as a contribution to a charity or service, especially at regular intervals; "I pledged $10 a month to my favorite radio station" subscribe donate - give to a charity or good cause; "I donated blood to the Red Cross for the victims of the earthquake"; "donate money to the orphanage"; "She donates to her favorite charity every month"
	3.	pledge - propose a toast to; "Let us toast the birthday girl!"; "Let's drink to the New Year" salute, toast, wassail, drink give - propose; "He gave the first of many toasts at the birthday party" honor, honour, reward - bestow honor or rewards upon; "Today we honor our soldiers"; "The scout was rewarded for courageous action"
	4.	pledge - give as a guarantee; "I pledge my honor" collateralize - pledge as a collateral; "The loan was collateralized by government bonds" give - offer in good faith; "He gave her his word" hypothecate - pledge without delivery or title of possession consign, charge - give over to another for care or safekeeping; "consign your baggage"
	5.	pledge - bind or secure by a pledge; "I was pledged to silence" oblige, obligate, bind, hold - bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted; "He's held by a contract"; "I'll hold you by your promise"