Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
VENTURE
I. verb (ventured; venturing)
Etymology: Middle English venteren, by shortening & alteration from aventuren, from aventure adventure
Date: 15th century
transitive verb to expose to hazard ; risk , gamble , to undertake the risks and dangers of ; brave , to offer at the risk of rebuff, rejection, or censure , intransitive verb to proceed especially in the face of danger, venturer noun
II. noun
Date: 15th century
destiny , fortune , chance ,
2. an undertaking involving chance, risk, or danger, a venturesome act, something (as money or property) at stake in a speculative venture