apply

[uh-plahy]

verb (used with object)

applied, applying 

1. to make use of as relevant, suitable, or pertinent.

   to apply a theory to a problem.

2. to put to use, especially for a particular purpose.

   to apply pressure to open a door.

3. to bring into action; use; employ.

   He applied the brakes and skidded to a stop.

   Synonyms: utilize

4. to use a label or other designation.

   Don't apply any such term to me.

5. to use for or assign to a specific purpose.

   He applied a portion of his salary each week to savings.

   Synonyms: dedicate, assign, allot, appropriate

6. to put into effect.

   They applied the rules to new members only.

7. to devote or employ diligently or with close attention.

   to apply one's mind to a problem;

   to apply oneself to a task.

8. to place in contact with; lay or spread on.

   to apply paint to a wall;

   to apply a bandage to a wound.

9. to bring into physical contact with or close proximity to.

   to apply a match to gunpowder.

10. to credit to, as an account.

    to apply $10 to his account at the store.

verb (used without object)

applied, applying 

1. to be pertinent, suitable, or relevant.

   The argument applies to the case.

   The theory doesn't apply.

2. to make an application or request; ask.

   to apply for a job;

   to apply for a raise.

   Synonyms: entreat, sue, petition

3. to lay or spread on.

   The plastic coating is easy to apply on any surface.

4. to be placed or remain in contact.

   This paint doesn't apply very easily.

apply

/ əˈplaɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to put to practical use; utilize; employ

2. (intr) to be relevant, useful, or appropriate

3. (tr) to cause to come into contact with; put onto

4. to put in an application or request

5. to devote (oneself, one's efforts) with diligence

6. (tr) to bring into operation or use

   the police only applied the law to aliens

7. (tr) to refer (a word, epithet, etc) to a person or thing

Other Word Forms

• appliable adjective
• appliableness noun
• appliably adverb
• applier noun
• preapply verb (used with object)
• reapply verb
• unappliable adjective
• unappliably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of apply¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English ap(p)lien, from Anglo-French, Old French ap(p)lier, from Latin applicāre, equivalent to ap- ap- ¹ ( def. ) + plicāre “to fold”; ply ² ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of apply¹

C14: from Old French aplier, from Latin applicāre to attach to

Example Sentences

“Somebody dropped something in her drink, and then when she was unconscious applied IV drugs and kept her for a day and a half,” her father, David Craven, told NBC 7 San Diego.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It took some effort to convince them there was a sizable market for a proxy-voting service that applied the bishops’ guidelines faithfully—but to both companies’ credit, they listened and agreed to work with us.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

One email from the letting agent also appeared to confirm the company was taking charge of applying for the licence.

Read more on BBC

Royal sources have previously said the King has tried to apply pressure, and last year cut off Andrew's funding last year.

Read more on BBC

Faced with what he thought were his only choices—being warehoused, or dying—he applied for MAID.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• administer 
• employ 
• exercise 
• handle 
• implement 
• practice