embark
verb
em·bark im-ˈbärk 
embarked; embarking; embarks
intransitive verb
1
: to go on board a vehicle for transportation
the troops embarked at noon
2
: to make a start
embarked on a new career
transitive verb
1
: to cause to go on board (a boat, an airplane, etc.)
2
: to engage, enlist, or invest in an enterprise
embarkation
ˌem-ˌbär-ˈkā-shən
noun -bər-
embarkment
im-ˈbärk-mənt
noun 
Synonyms
- begin
- commence
- enter (into or upon)
- fall (to)
- get off
- kick off
- launch
- lead off
- open
- start
- strike (into)
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
The troops are waiting to embark. Millions of Europeans embarked for America in the late 19th century.
Recent Examples on the Web So, what made Deborah and Al decide to embark on the Orient Express for a romantic vacation? 
Adrianna Freedman, Good Housekeeping, 14 Sep. 2022 If someone is about to embark on a trip abroad or head to a big event where there’s an elevated risk of exposure, getting boosted at least two weeks in advance could help reduce the likelihood of infection. Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2022 The two destroyers, U.S. Naval Institute News reports, will be specially built to embark the Aegis combat system, radar, and SM-3 missile interceptors. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 12 Sep. 2022 Now, with a visit from San Jose Earthquakes to TQL Stadium, FC Cincinnati prepares to embark on the final push for the playoffs. Pat Brennan, The Enquirer, 9 Sep. 2022 While the rest of the group made it to safety, Agnihotri did not, prompting rangers to embark on a search mission. Bradford Betz, Fox News, 24 Aug. 2022 Planning an event can be daunting, so here are our top tips on how to embark on your Call to Earth Day preparations. Nadia Leigh-hewitson, CNN, 23 Aug. 2022 Leisure travel swelled last year after Covid-19 vaccines were introduced and people rushed to embark on delayed vacations. Kate King, WSJ, 23 Aug. 2022 Beth Sobiloff had always wanted to embark on a cross-country road trip in an RV. Shannon Larson, BostonGlobe.com, 29 July 2022 See More
Adrianna Freedman, Good Housekeeping, 14 Sep. 2022 If someone is about to embark on a trip abroad or head to a big event where there’s an elevated risk of exposure, getting boosted at least two weeks in advance could help reduce the likelihood of infection. Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2022 The two destroyers, U.S. Naval Institute News reports, will be specially built to embark the Aegis combat system, radar, and SM-3 missile interceptors. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 12 Sep. 2022 Now, with a visit from San Jose Earthquakes to TQL Stadium, FC Cincinnati prepares to embark on the final push for the playoffs. Pat Brennan, The Enquirer, 9 Sep. 2022 While the rest of the group made it to safety, Agnihotri did not, prompting rangers to embark on a search mission. Bradford Betz, Fox News, 24 Aug. 2022 Planning an event can be daunting, so here are our top tips on how to embark on your Call to Earth Day preparations. Nadia Leigh-hewitson, CNN, 23 Aug. 2022 Leisure travel swelled last year after Covid-19 vaccines were introduced and people rushed to embark on delayed vacations. Kate King, WSJ, 23 Aug. 2022 Beth Sobiloff had always wanted to embark on a cross-country road trip in an RV. Shannon Larson, BostonGlobe.com, 29 July 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle French embarquer, from Old Occitan embarcar, from em- (from Latin in-) + barca bark
First Known Use
1533, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1
Phrases Containing embark
Kids Definition
embark
verb
em·bark im-ˈbärk
embarked; embarking
1
: to go on or put on board a ship or an airplane
The last of the passengers embarked.
2
: to begin a project or task
She embarked on a new career.
embarkment
noun
as in embarkation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- embarkation
- disembarkation
- evacuation
- emigration
- exodus
- egress
- flight
- diaspora
- retirement
- withdrawal
- running away
- exiting
- relinquishment
- departure
- departing
- retreat
- forsaking
- quitting
- walking out
- going
- parting
- decampment
- abandonment
- exit
- decamping
- lighting out
- farewell
- outgo
- leave
- leave-taking
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- arrival
- appearance
- advent
- entrance
- approach
- ingress
- coming