Definition

1. Verb:
   • To sign one's name on the back of (a check, bill, or other document): This is the original, formal legal meaning, signifying approval, receipt, or transfer of rights.
   • To give one's formal support, sanction, or approval to: To declare publicly that one supports a person, statement, plan, or product.
   • To recommend or certify as meeting a certain standard or quality: Often used in commercial contexts.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Please indorse the check before depositing it. (You must sign the back of the check.)
  • The celebrity agreed to indorse the new line of athletic wear. (The celebrity publicly supports the product.)
  • The committee refused to indorse the proposed policy changes. (The committee would not give its approval.)

Advanced Usage

• "To indorse over": A legal term meaning to transfer title or rights to another person by signing the back of a negotiable instrument.
  • He indorsed over the promissory note to his creditor.
• "To indorse in blank": To sign a negotiable instrument without specifying a payee, making it payable to the bearer.
  • A check indorsed in blank can be risky if lost.

Variants and Related Words

• Endorse: The far more common modern spelling of "indorse." Both forms are correct, but "endorse" is standard in most contemporary contexts.
• Indorsement / Endorsement (noun): The act of indorsing or the signature/statement itself.
  • The contract requires the indorsement of a witness.
• Indorser / Endorser (noun): A person who indorses something.

Synonyms

• Approve: To have a favorable opinion of.
• Sanction: To give official permission or approval for.
• Back: To support, especially financially or with one's authority.
• Certify: To confirm or attest to in writing, often officially.
• Countersign: To add a signature to a document already signed by another.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Indorse over: To transfer by endorsement (as explained in Advanced Usage).

Related Idioms

Verb

1. sign as evidence of legal transfer
   • endorse cheques
2. guarantee as meeting a certain standard
   • certified grade AAA meat
3. give support or one's approval to
   • I'll second that motion
   • I can't back this plan
   • endorse a new project
4. be behind; approve of
   • He plumped for the Labor Party
   • I backed Kennedy in 1960