underwrite

Universal Words [VN] (technical) 1 to accept financial responsibility for an activity so that you will pay for special costs or for losses it may make: The British government ended up underwriting the entire project. * The record company may underwrite the costs of a band's first tour. 2 to accept responsibility for an insurance policy so that you will pay money in case loss or damage happens 3 to agree to buy shares that are not bought by the public when new shares are offered for sale