pledge

To make a serious promise to do something or provide something.

• They pledged to help us.
• She pledged her support for the campaign.
• Several companies have pledged money to rebuild the school.

How to use it: pledge to do something (They pledged to protect the forest.); pledge something to someone/something (She pledged a thousand dollars to the charity.); pledge that… (He pledged that every worker would receive fair pay.)

Similar words: promise, vow, undertake

Common phrases: pledge support, pledge allegiance, pledge to help

To offer something valuable that a lender can keep if you do not repay borrowed money.

• She pledged her jewelry for a loan.
• The company pledged its assets as security.
• They had already pledged the property to another bank.

How to use it: pledge something as security (He pledged his house as security for the loan.); pledge something to someone (The company pledged its equipment to the lender.)

Similar words: pawn

Common phrases: pledge property, pledge something as security, pledge your assets

A serious promise to do something or give money or support.

• He kept his pledge.
• The charity received several pledges of financial support.
• They made a pledge to plant a thousand trees.

How to use it: a pledge to do something (She made a pledge to reduce waste.); a pledge of something (We welcomed their pledge of support.)

Similar words: promise, commitment, vow

Common phrases: make a pledge, keep a pledge, pledge of support