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In the following excerpt, how should I interpret underwriting, is the word synonymous with justifying? If so why is that word used outside of am insurance context?
Given to mystical preoccupations, this android proposed the group escape attempt, underwriting it ideologically with a pretentious fiction as to the sacredness of so-called android “life.”
The sense is figurative:
to support or concur with (a decision, statement, etc) by or as if by signature.
(Collins Dictionary)
