pledge

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Technical · Formal

n. something valuable that you give to a person or bank to prove you will pay them back.

n. a bailment of personal property as security for some debt or engagement.

“He left his gold watch as a pledge that he would return to pay the bill.”

“Under the terms of the agreement, the shares were held as a pledge against the short-term loan provided by the investment bank.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun American English · Informal

n. a student who is trying to join a university social group but is not yet a full member.

n. a person who has committed to joining a college fraternity or sorority but has not yet been initiated.

“The new pledges had to spend the weekend cleaning the fraternity house.”

“During the recruitment week, each pledge was assigned a mentor to help them navigate the complex social traditions of the organization.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal

v. to make a serious or formal promise to give or do something.

v. to commit oneself by a solemn promise; to give as a guarantee.

“Many countries have pledged to protect the environment by reducing carbon emissions.”

“The executive board pledged their full support to the restructuring plan, despite the initial concerns raised by the shareholders.”

C1 · Advanced Law Technical · Formal

v. to give something valuable to a lender as a guarantee that you will pay them back.

v. to deposit an object or asset as security for a loan or the fulfilment of an obligation.

“The family had to pledge their property to secure the emergency loan.”

“The borrower was required to pledge liquid assets of equivalent value before the credit facility could be extended.”