pledge

Definitions

1. A solemn promise to do something.
2. To make a solemn promise (to do something)
3. take the pledge, to make a vow to abstain from intoxicating drink.
4. A promise to abstain from drinking alcohol.
5. To deposit something as a security; to pawn
6. A solemn binding promise to do, give, or refrain from doing something: signed a pledge never to reveal the secret; a pledge of money to a charity.
7. An asset or person temporarily handed over to guarantee the fulfilment of something promised, under threat of permanent loss of the thing handed over; surety, security, hostage.
8. To give assurance of friendship by the act of drinking; to drink to one's health
9. Something given or held as security to guarantee payment of a debt or fulfillment of an obligation.
10. A bailment of personal property to secure payment of a debt without transfer of title.
11. A solemn promise to do something
12. Law a. Delivery of goods or personal property as security for a debt or obligation: a loan requiring a pledge of property.
    Law
13. The personal property so pledged, to be kept until the debt is paid.
14. A promise to abstain from drinking alcohol
15. A token or sign: "fair pledges of a fruitful tree" (Robert Herrick).
16. A person who has taken a pledge of allegiance to a college fraternity, but is not yet formally approved.
17. A person who has been accepted for membership in a fraternity or similar organization and has promised to join but has not yet been initiated.
18. A drinking toast.
19. A vow to abstain from alcoholic liquor: ex-drinkers who have taken the pledge.
20. Archaic The act of drinking in honor of someone; a toast.
    Archaic
21. To offer or guarantee by a solemn binding promise: pledge loyalty to a nation; pledge that the duties of the office will be fulfilled. See Synonyms at promise.
22. To bind or secure by a pledge or promise: pledged themselves to the cause. See Synonyms at devote.

Equivalents

Examples

“Mr. Biden unveiled the pledge at a White House climate summit for world leaders, declaring that the United States is ready to reclaim a leadership role on climate change⟳.”

“Iacke Straw. […] I haue his wife and children pledges, for his ſpeedie returne from the King, to whom he is gone with our meſſage. Tom Miller. Let⟳ him take⟳ heede hee bring⟳ a wiſe anſwere to our worships, or els his pledges goes to the pot.”

CEFR level