commit

verb com·mit \kə-ˈmit\

: to do (something that is illegal or harmful)

: to decide to use (a person, money, etc.) for some particular purpose or use

: to say that (someone or something) will definitely do something : to make (someone or something) obligated to do something

com·mit·tedcom·mit·ting

Full Definition of COMMIT

transitive verb

a : to put into charge or trust : entrust

b : to place in a prison or mental institution

c : to consign or record for preservation <commit it to memory>

d : to put into a place for disposal or safekeeping

e : to refer (as a legislative bill) to a committee for consideration and report

: to carry into action deliberately : perpetrate <commit a crime>

a : obligate, bind <a contract committing the company to complete the project on time>

b : to pledge or assign to some particular course or use <commit all troops to the attack>

c : to reveal the views of <refused to commit himself on the issue>

intransitive verb

obsolete : to perpetrate an offense

: to obligate or pledge oneself

— com·mit·ta·ble \-ˈmi-tə-bəl\ adjective

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Origin of COMMIT

Middle English committen, from Anglo-French committer, from Latin committere to connect, entrust, from com- + mittere to send

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to COMMIT

Synonyms: accomplish, achieve, bring off, carry off, carry out, perform, compass, do, execute, follow through (with), fulfill (or fulfil), make, negotiate, perpetrate, prosecute, pull off, put through

Antonyms: hold, keep, retain

Synonym Discussion of COMMIT

commit, entrust, confide, consign, relegate mean to assign to a person or place for a definite purpose. commit may express the general idea of delivering into another's charge or the special sense of transferring to a superior power or to a special place of custody <committed the felon to prison>. entrust implies committing with trust and confidence <the president is entrusted with broad powers>. confide implies entrusting with great assurance or reliance <confided complete control of my affairs to my attorney>. consign suggests removing from one's control with formality or finality <consigned the damaging notes to the fire>. relegate implies a consigning to a particular class or sphere often with a suggestion of getting rid of <relegated to an obscure position in the company>.