embark
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to start a new, important, or difficult task or journey.
to commence a significant or long-term undertaking, often used with the preposition 'on' or 'upon'.
Simple“After graduating from college, she decided to embark on a career in medicine.”
In context“The government is about to embark on a series of radical economic reforms designed to curb inflation and encourage foreign investment.”
UsageUsually takes the preposition 'on' or 'upon' when referring to an abstract beginning.
PitfallHe embarked his new business last month. He embarked on his new business last month.When starting an activity or project, you must use the preposition 'on' or 'upon'.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
to put people or goods onto a ship or plane.
to cause to go on board a vessel; to load passengers or cargo for transport.
Simple“The crew worked quickly to embark the remaining cargo before the storm arrived.”
In context“The logistics team was responsible for embarking the heavy machinery onto the freighter within a strict twelve-hour window.”
UsageA transitive use typically found in shipping, logistics, or military documentation.
“I need to refresh many things that happened in my personal life." City embarked on a rebuild during the 2024 winter and summer transfer windows in a bid to refresh an ageing squad.”
“Earlier this month, he embarked on a road trip with Meeks and Deao to screen Union County at small movie theaters in Ohio.”
Borrowed from Middle French embarquer, from em- + barque (“small ship”). Compare with Portuguese embarcar, Spanish abarcar.
From em- + bark.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.