Definitions of underwrite
if a person, group or institution underwrites an insurance policy it agrees to pay the insured party money in case of damage or loss
The African Trade Insurance agency hopes to encourage foreign investment by underwriting risks, ranging from war to confiscation of assets.
to assume the financial risks associated with something, eg by undertaking to buy any unsold shares in a new issue
A syndicate led by Deutsche Bank has agreed to underwrite the subscription of new shares.