Main Entry:

de·ploy

Pronunciation:

\di-ˈplȯi\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

French déployer, literally, to unfold, from Old French desploier, from des- dis- + ploier, plier to fold — more at ply

Date:

1616

transitive verb1 a: to extend (a military unit) especially in width b: to place in battle formation or appropriate positions2: to spread out, utilize, or arrange for a deliberate purpose <deploy a sales force> <deploy a parachute>intransitive verb: to move, spread out, or function while being deployed <the troops deployed along the front> <the parachute failed to deploy>

— de·ploy·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective

— de·ploy·ment \-mənt\ noun