implement

American  

[im-pluh-muhnt, im-pluh-ment, -muhnt] / ˈɪm plə mənt, ˈɪm pləˌmɛnt, -mənt /

noun

1. any article used in some activity, especially an instrument, tool, or utensil.

   agricultural implements.

2. an article of equipment, as household furniture, clothing, ecclesiastical vestments, or the like.

3. a means; agent.

   human beings as an implement of divine plan.

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verb (used with object)

1. to fulfill; perform; carry out.

   Once in office, he failed to implement his campaign promises.

2. to put into effect according to or by means of a definite plan or procedure.

3. Computers. to realize or instantiate (an element in a program), often under certain conditions as specified by the software involved.

4. to fill out or supplement.

5. to provide with implements.

implement British  

noun

1. a piece of equipment; tool or utensil

   gardening implements

2. something used to achieve a purpose; agent

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verb

1. to carry out; put into action; perform

   to implement a plan

2. archaic to complete, satisfy, or fulfil

Usage

What are other ways to say implement? The word implement broadly refers to any article used in some activity. When should you use this noun over tool, instrument, or utensil? Learn more on Thesaurus.com. 

Other Word Forms

• implementable adjective
• implemental adjective
• implementation noun
• implementer noun
• implementor noun
• nonimplement noun
• nonimplemental adjective
• reimplement verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of implement

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Late Latin implēmentum “a filling up,” equivalent to Latin implē(re) “to fill up” ( im- im- ¹ + plēre “to fill” ) + -mentum -ment

Example Sentences

Brussels can decide to implement it provisionally while waiting for an EU court ruling on its legality, but has not yet taken a decision on doing so.

From Barron's

The Scottish government has made no attempt this year to implement a freeze or limit increases.

From BBC

“At the same time, we are beginning to implement a multi-year transformation plan to simplify our operating model, enhance productivity, and reduce costs.”

From Barron's

The treaty implements a political deal agreed between the UK and EU in June last year, and confirms key details of how the new arrangements will work in practice.

From BBC

U.K. officials have said previously they won’t implement the deal without U.S. approval.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• achieve
• carry out
• complete
• enforce
• realize
• resolve