verbs
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"
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"
ask (for something)
"He applied for a leave of absence"; "She applied for college"; "apply for a job"
is a type of (narrower)
express the need or desire for; ask for
"She requested an extra bed in her room"; "She called for room service"
apply to a surface
"She applied paint to the back of the house"; "Put on make-up!"
be applicable to; as to an analysis
"This theory lends itself well to our new data"
give or convey physically
"She gave him First Aid"; "I gave him a punch in the nose"
avail oneself to
"apply a principle"; "practice a religion"; "use care when going down the stairs"; "use your common sense"; "practice non-violent resistance"
ensure observance of laws and rules
"Apply the rules to everyone";
refer (a word or name) to a person or thing
"He applied this racial slur to me!"
is a type of (narrower)
have as a meaning
"`multi-' denotes `many' "
apply oneself to
"Please apply yourself to your homework"
is a type of (narrower)
give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause
"She committed herself to the work of God"; "give one's talents to a good cause"; "consecrate your life to the church"