apply

/ə-ˈplī/

Middle English aplien, applien "to join, combine, use for a certain purpose, put to use (an expression, word), strive (to do something)," borrowed from Anglo-French aplier, applier "to put to use or operation, attach to oneself, conform, bend" (continental Middle French apploier, applier "to employ, put to use"), going back to Latin applicāre "to bring into contact (with), situate near, bring to bear (on), make applicable or relevant (to)," from ap- {et_link|ap-:1|ad-} + -plicāre "to fold, bend"

verb

  1. to put to use especially for some practical purpose

  2. to bring into action

  3. to lay or spread on

He applies pressure to get what he wants.

apply the brakes

idiom

  1. to ask to be accepted as a student at colleges or universities by filling out and sending applications

Many high school students have begun applying for college.

idiom

  1. to make oneself work hard in order to complete something successfully

If you apply yourself, you might be able to finish the project on time.