deploy

[dih-ploi]

verb (used with object)

1. Military.,  to spread out (troops) so as to form an extended front or line.

2. to arrange in a position of readiness, or to move strategically or appropriately.

   to deploy a battery of new missiles.

verb (used without object)

1. to spread out strategically or in an extended front or line.

2. to come into a position ready for use.

   The plane can't land unless the landing gear deploys.

deploy

/ dɪˈplɔɪ /

verb

1. to adopt or cause to adopt a battle formation, esp from a narrow front formation

2. (tr) to redistribute (forces) to or within a given area

Other Word Forms

• deployment noun
• deployable adjective
• deployability noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deploy¹

First recorded in 1470–80; from French déployer, equivalent to dé- prefix with negative force + ployer “to fold”; dis- ¹, ploy

Word History and Origins

Origin of deploy¹

C18: from French déployer, from Latin displicāre to unfold; see _display

Example Sentences

He has confronted demonstrators numerous times at the Broadview ICE processing center, where federal agents have repeatedly deployed tear gas and other crowd-control methods.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It could have ended in tragically had it not been for a well-coordinated rescue, with yaks and horses deployed to clear the snow.

Read more on BBC

Reports from Gaza suggest that armed Hamas units have already deployed across several districts, some wearing civilian clothes and others in the blue uniforms of the Gaza police.

Read more on BBC

Over the course of 15 excruciating innings, with a trip to the championship series on the line, they and the Detroit Tigers deployed 15 different hurlers who combined to throw 472 pitches.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

By investing early, the government could enable the company to develop a prototype that could be rapidly adapted and deployed in response to a future pandemic.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• expand 
• open 
• set up 
• use