commit

UK: kəˈmɪt | US: kəˈmɪt

Definition
  1. vt. to carry out or perpetrate (e.g., a crime or mistake)

  2. vt. to pledge or dedicate (oneself) to a cause or relationship

  3. vt. to place in custody or confinement (e.g., commit to prison)

  4. vi. to make a firm decision (often followed by "to")

Structure
com <together>mit <send>
Etymology

commit = com<together> + mit<send>

  • com: Latin prefix meaning "together" or "with."
  • mit: Derived from Latin mittere (to send), appearing in words like transmit and permit.

Etymology Origin:
The word commit originates from Latin committere (com- + mittere), literally "to send together." It initially described entrusting or uniting actions (e.g., sending a task and responsibility jointly). Over time, it evolved to encompass dedication (pledging oneself) and wrongdoing (perpetrating an act), reflecting the dual logic of "binding" and "carrying out."

Examples
  1. She decided to commit fully to her new job.

  2. The suspect refused to commit to a statement.

  3. He was committed to prison for fraud.

  4. It’s unethical to commit such acts knowingly.

  5. The team committed to finishing the project by Friday.