venture in WordNet English dictionary

1. put at risk
   "I will stake my good reputation for this"
   venture  hazard  adventure  stake  jeopardize 
   
2. proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
   "We ventured into the world of high-tech and bought a supercomputer"
   venture  embark 
   
3. put forward, of a guess, in spite of possible refutation
   "I am guessing that the price of real estate will rise again"; "I cannot pretend to say that you are wrong"
   guess  venture  pretend  hazard 
   

1. an investment that is very risky but could yield great profits
   "he knew the stock was a speculation when he bought it"
   speculation  venture 
   
2. any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome
   venture 
   
3. a commercial undertaking that risks a loss but promises a profit
   venture