endorse
UK: ɪnˈdɔːs | US: ɪnˈdɔːrs
vt. to approve, support, or sustain
vt. to sign one's name on the back of (a check, document, etc.) for legal transfer or approval
vt. (figurative) to publicly recommend or advocate
endorse = en<on> + dorse<back>
- en (prefix): from Old French "en-" (on, in), derived from Latin "in-"
- dorse (root): from Latin "dorsum" (back), referring to the back of a document or animal
Etymology Origin:
The word "endorse" originated in medieval legal contexts, where signing or writing on the back (dorse) of a document (e.g., a check or charter) signified approval or transfer of rights. The prefix "en-" (on) emphasizes the physical act of writing on the back. Over time, it expanded metaphorically to mean general support or advocacy.
The celebrity agreed to endorse the new skincare brand.
Please endorse the check by signing the back before depositing it.
The senator refused to endorse the controversial bill.
The coach publicly endorsed the athlete for the scholarship.
Ancient treaties were often endorsed with wax seals.