Embark/ɪmˈbɑːrk/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Initiating Action Used when someone decides to take the first step in a series or process. After years of planning, he's finally ready to embark on his PhD. Pro Tip 2/3Personal Journeys Often used metaphorically to refer to the start of personal endeavors or life changes. She's about to embark on motherhood. Pro Tip 3/3Long-term Commitment Suggests a commitment to a long and perhaps challenging process. They're ready to embark on a three-year research project.