American Dictionary

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Definition pledge in American English

pledge verb

verb
/pledʒ/

Pledging can last for several weeks, and during this time your sorority or fraternity will usually ask you to do embarrassing or unpleasant things in order to prove your loyalty to them. For example, you may have to wear your underwear over your clothes when you go to class, or do the cooking and cleaning in a fraternity or sorority house.

1

to promise seriously and publicly to do something

Example

Britain, France, and Germany were among the countries pledging their support.

Example

He has pledged to fight for a fairer system.

Example

They have pledged themselves to root out state corruption.

Example

The President has pledged that improving the economy will be his top priority.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

to promise a certain amount of money for a particular purpose

Synonyms and related words
2

to apply and be accepted by a sorority or fraternity at a college or university in the U.S., before being formally made a member

Synonyms and related words
3

to give something valuable to someone as a way of promising that you will pay them money later

Example

His home is pledged as security against the loans.

Synonyms and related words
Definition pledge in American English