1. [n]  any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome
2. [n]  a commercial undertaking that risks a loss but promises a profit
3. [n]  an investment that is very risky but could yield great profits; "he knew the stock was a speculation when he bought it"
4. [v]  put forward, of a guess; "I am guessing that the price of real estate will rise again"
5. [v]  express in spite of possible refutation
6. [v]  proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers; "We ventured into the world of high-tech and bought a supercomputer"
7. [v]  put at risk; "I will stake my good reputation for this"

Venture
Venture

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1. \Ven"ture\ (?; 135), n. [Aphetic form of OE. aventure.
   See {Adventure}.]
   1. An undertaking of chance or danger; the risking of
      something upon an event which can not be foreseen with
      certainty; a hazard; a risk; a speculation.
            I, in this venture, double gains pursue. --Dryden.
   2. An event that is not, or can not be, foreseen; an
      accident; chance; hap; contingency; luck. --Bacon.
   3. The thing put to hazard; a stake; a risk; especially,
      something sent to sea in trade.
            My ventures are not in one bottom trusted. --Shak.
   {At a venture}, at hazard; without seeing the end or mark;
      without foreseeing the issue; at random.
            A certain man drew a bow at a venture. --1 Kings
                                                  xxii. 34.
            A bargain at a venture made.          --Hudibras.
   Note: The phrase at a venture was originally at aventure,
         that is, at adventure.
   

2. \Ven"ture\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Ventured}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Venturing}.]
   1. To hazard one's self; to have the courage or presumption
      to do, undertake, or say something; to dare. --Bunyan.
   2. To make a venture; to run a hazard or risk; to take the
      chances.
            Who freights a ship to venture on the seas. --J.
                                                  Dryden, Jr.
   {To venture at}, or {To venture on} or {upon}, to dare to
      engage in; to attempt without any certainty of success;
      as, it is rash to venture upon such a project. ``When I
      venture at the comic style.'' --Waller.
   

3. \Ven"ture\, v. t.
   1. To expose to hazard; to risk; to hazard; as, to venture
      one's person in a balloon.
            I am afraid; and yet I'll venture it. --Shak.
   2. To put or send on a venture or chance; as, to venture a
      horse to the West Indies.
   3. To confide in; to rely on; to trust. [R.]
            A man would be well enough pleased to buy silks of
            one whom he would not venture to feel his pulse.
                                                  --Addison.