Meaning & Definition of Apply in English

1. Put into service

• Make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

• "Use your head!"

• "We only use spanish at home"

• "I can't use this tool"

• "Apply a magnetic field here"

• "This thinking was applied to many projects"

• "How do you utilize this tool?"

• "I apply this rule to get good results"

• "Use the plastic bags to store the food"

• "He doesn't know how to use a computer"

2. Be pertinent or relevant or applicable

• "The same laws apply to you!"

• "This theory holds for all irrational numbers"

• "The same rules go for everyone"

3. Ask (for something)

• "He applied for a leave of absence"

• "She applied for college"

• "Apply for a job"

4. Apply to a surface

• "She applied paint to the back of the house"

• "Put on make-up!"

5. Be applicable to

• As to an analysis

• "This theory lends itself well to our new data"

6. Give or convey physically

• "She gave him first aid"

• "I gave him a punch in the nose"

7. Avail oneself to

• "Apply a principle"

• "Practice a religion"

• "Use care when going down the stairs"

• "Use your common sense"

• "Practice non-violent resistance"

8. Ensure observance of laws and rules

• "Apply the rules to everyone"

9. Refer (a word or name) to a person or thing

• "He applied this racial slur to me!"

10. Apply oneself to

• "Please apply yourself to your homework"