endorse

Definition

To express support or approval, especially officially or publicly; to give an endorsement.

Etymology

Alteration influenced by Medieval Latin indorsare of Middle English endosse, from Old French endosser (“to put on the back”), from Latin dossum, alternative form of dorsum (“back”), from which also dorsal (“of the back”). That is, the ‘r’ was dropped in Latin dossum, which developed into Old French and then Middle English endosse, and then the ‘r’ was re-introduced into English via the Medieval Latin indorsare, which had retained the ‘r’. Note that the alternative spelling indorse also uses the initial ‘i’ from Latin (in-, rather than en-), but this form is now rare.

Example Sentences

• "The president endorsed John Smith as senator."
• "The court endorsed his driving record with three penalty points for the drink-driving."
• "On 25th January, 1968, Mrs. Weston was convicted by the Sheffield Magistrates of driving without due care and attention. She was fined £10 and her driving licence was endorsed."

Related Words