equip

¹

[ih-kwip]

verb (used with object)

equipped, equipping 

1. to supply with whatever gear or apparatus is needed for use or for any undertaking; fit out, as a ship or army.

   They spent several thousand dollars to equip their boat.

   Synonyms: rig, outfit

2. to provide with intellectual or emotional resources; prepare.

   Education and travel have equipped her to deal with all sorts of people.

3. to dress; array.

   He equipped himself in all his finery.

equip.

²

abbreviation

1. equipment.

equip

/ ɪˈkwɪp /

verb

1. to furnish with (necessary supplies, etc)

2. (usually passive) to provide with abilities, understanding, etc

   her son was never equipped to be a scholar

3. to dress out; attire

Other Word Forms

• equipper noun
• preequip verb (used with object)
• reequip verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of equip¹

First recorded in 1515–25; from Middle French equiper, Old French esquiper “to fit out, equip,” probably from Old Norse skipa “to put in order, arrange, man (a ship)”

Word History and Origins

Origin of equip¹

C16: from Old French eschiper to embark, fit out (a ship), of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse skipa to put in order, skip ship

Synonym Study

See furnish.

Example Sentences

Robot arms tend to be equipped with two- or three-pronged pincers or with suction cups.

From Los Angeles Times

The laws don’t do any good if the people equipped to help aren’t aware of them, or the women who are in danger don’t know about their existence.

From Salon

So could the solution be broader, not involving regulation at government or corporate level at all - but instead equipping users themselves to better determine what is true?

From BBC

We will equip and develop our leaders to help them succeed in driving lasting cultural change.

From BBC

The initial takedown in May targeted the higher-ups who allegedly called hits and equipped shooters with guns and cars, federal authorities said, while the suspects arrested Tuesday actually pulled triggers on Artuni’s behalf.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adorn 
• arm 
• deck out 
• decorate 
• dress 
• endow 
• furnish 
• gear 
• prepare 
• provide 
• qualify 
• rig 
• set up 
• supply