procure

[proh-kyoor, pruh-]

verb (used with object)

procured, procuring 

1. to obtain or get by care, effort, or the use of special means.

   to procure evidence.

   Synonyms: win, gain
   Antonyms: lose

2. to bring about, especially by unscrupulous and indirect means.

   to procure secret documents.

   Synonyms: contrive

3. to obtain (a person) for the purpose of prostitution.

verb (used without object)

procured, procuring 

1. to act as a procurer or pimp.

   Synonyms: pimp, pander

procure

/ prəˈkjʊə /

verb

1. (tr) to obtain or acquire; secure

2. to obtain (women or girls) to act as prostitutes

Other Word Forms

• procurement noun
• self-procured adjective
• self-procuring adjective
• unprocured adjective
• procurable adjective
• procurance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of procure¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English procuren, from Latin prōcūrāre “to take care of”; pro- ¹, cure

Word History and Origins

Origin of procure¹

C13: from Latin prōcūrāre to look after, from _pro- ¹ + cūrāre to care for

Synonym Study

See get.

Example Sentences

He flings his lunch against the wall, shattering a piece of Nancy Reagan’s china and leaving a trail of ketchup and hamburger grease on the wallpaper and faux gilt sconce recently procured from Home Depot.

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A New York ballroom filled with men discussing how to procure women’s bodies to produce babies, then discharge the mother from her role.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The State Bar does not comment on potential investigations, but has previously said California law generally prohibits making payments to procure clients, a practice known as capping.

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On Wednesday, the Commission also presented a package of measures to help EU members procure defense technologies like drones and artificial-intelligence software produced by small companies faster.

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The monster rummaged through his pockets and procured a filthy handkerchief.

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Related Words

• buy up 
• get hold of 
• solicit 

When To Use

What does procure mean?

To procure something is to obtain or get it, especially through special means or extra effort.The word is especially used in the context of the formal, official process of purchasing and obtaining materials, supplies, or equipment, particularly in the context of business or government.The noun form procurement most commonly refers to this process. Many large companies and government agencies have a procurement department that handles the ordering and acquisition of supplies. Such a department is often simply referred to as procurement, as in You’ll have to ask procurement to order those materials. Procurement can also be used in a general way to refer to the act or process of procuring in any context.Example: It took me a few months to track it down, but I was able to procure that rare book for her birthday.