embark

Begin a voyage

To embark is to board a ship, aircraft, or other vessel for a journey: We embarked at dawn.

The word extends naturally to beginning any significant undertaking: She embarked on a new career, They embarked on a journey of self-discovery.

The sense of setting out on something consequential—with its mix of anticipation and uncertainty—carries through both literal and figurative uses.

beginning

commence

To set underway

startTo set going
beginTo start something
launchSet into motion

initiate · undertake · kickoff · onset · outset · inauguration · genesis · inception · debut · introduction

nautical

board

Flat rigid panel

shipSeagoing transport vessel
sailShip's wind-catching fabric
voyageJourney by sea

anchor · deck · port · starboard · gangway · aboard · captain · seafarer · mariner · cruise

journey

expedition

Organized exploratory journey

questSeeking journey for something
odysseyExtended adventurous journey
adventureRisky exciting undertaking

pilgrimage · trek · exploration · excursion · safari · travel · backpacking · wanderlust · globetrotter · sojourn

career

venture

Risky new undertaking

pursueFollow to catch
enterPass into a space
professionTrained occupational field

vocation · enterprise · endeavor · calling · path · commitment · aspiration · opportunity · transition · milestone

Categories

verbsjump, be, speak, wait, do
beginningsbegin, beginning, start, first, opening
departuresleave, depart, exit, leaving, go
sea travelcruise, cruise ship, cruise ships, voyage, ocean voyage
starting actionsbegin, start, commence, initiate, launch
starting wordsbegin, start, commence, initiate, kick off

Opposites

boarding/departure

embarkdisembark

Exit a vehicle

debark · alight · land · get off · arrive

journey/undertaking initiation

embarkfinish

Bring to completion

complete · conclude · end · abandon · terminate

movement/stasis

embarkstay

Remain in position

remain · stay put · settle · stop · hesitate

Phrases

trade embargoBan on commercial exchange
arms embargoBan on military exports
oil embargoBan on petroleum exports
economic embargoBan on commercial exchange
weapons embargoBan on arms sales
news embargoBan on releasing information

Family

embargo, disembark, embarked, embarks, embarking, embarkation, disembarkation, disembarking, embarcadero

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G