Dictionary entries for 'pledge'

Synonyms

pledge (plĕj)

[Middle English, from Old French plege, probably from Late Latin plevium, a security, of Germanic origin.]

noun

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.
1. Something given or held as security to guarantee payment of a debt or fulfillment of an obligation.
2. The condition of something thus given or held: put an article in pledge.
Law
1. Delivery of goods or personal property as security for a debt or obligation: a loan requiring a pledge of property.
2. The contract by which such delivery is made.
A token or sign: “fair pledges of a fruitful tree” (Robert Herrick)
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.
The act of drinking in honor of someone; a toast.
A vow to abstain from alcoholic liquor: ex-drinkers who have taken the pledge.

To offer or guarantee by a solemn binding promise: pledge loyalty to a nation. See synonyms at devote See synonyms at promise
To bind or secure by or as if by a pledge: pledged themselves to the cause.
To deposit as security; pawn.
1. To promise to join (a fraternity or similar organization).
2. To accept as a prospective member of such an organization.
To drink a toast to.