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

• deployable adjective
• deployability noun
• deployment 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

A bomb disposal team has been deployed to the state-run high school complex to collect evidence and ensure there are no other explosive devices.

Read more on BBC

These two older carriers lack catapults that are standard on American carriers and instead use “ski jump” ramps to deploy fixed-wing aircraft.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When deployed, he will first be sent to the trenches on the front, spending months there before being rotated out.

Read more on Barron's

So far it has deployed six Navy ships in the Caribbean, sent F-35 stealth warplanes to Puerto Rico, and ordered the USS Gerald R Ford carrier strike group to the region.

Read more on Barron's

We need a regulatory system that can allow our greatest technology companies and innovators to deploy those technologies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• expand 
• open 
• set up 
• use