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

“The way it appears they were attempting to accomplish this was to deploy the ‘If you can’t beat them join them’ strategy.

From Los Angeles Times

Northern Ireland top the group after Slovakia's shock 2-0 win over Germany, and O'Neill was full of praise for Devenny, who was deployed at left wing-back instead of his more familiar midfield role.

From BBC

Observers from the Organization of American States were deployed to Guyana for the election and have not yet reported any instances of electoral fraud.

From BBC

Prosecutors say that agents deployed the tear gas as a crowd control measure during the July 10 protest and that Caravello picked up a canister and lobbed it back at officers.

From Los Angeles Times

Mexico has deployed thousands of its troops to its border with the United States.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• expand 
• open 
• set up 
• use