embark

UK: ɪmˈbɑːk | US: ɪmˈbɑːrk

Definition

  1. vi. to board a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle

  2. vt. to begin a journey or project

Structure
em <in, into>bark <ship>em <in, into>bark <ship>
Etymology

The word "embark" originated in the 16th century, combining the French-derived "bark" (ship) with the Latin prefix "em-" (into). It originally meant "to board a ship" and later expanded metaphorically to mean "to begin any significant endeavor." The logic mirrors physically stepping onto a vessel to start a voyage, now applied abstractly to projects or journeys.

Examples

  1. The passengers will embark at noon.

  2. She embarked on a new career in journalism.

  3. The troops embarked for the overseas mission.

  4. We embarked the ferry under cloudy skies.

  5. He embarked on a lifelong study of marine biology.