apply
/ə-ˈplī/
verb
to put to use especially for some practical purpose
to bring into action
to lay or spread on
He applies pressure to get what he wants.
apply the brakes
idiom
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
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.