deploy

verb

de·​ploy di-ˈplȯi How to pronounce deploy (audio)
deployed; deploying; deploys

transitive verb

1
a
: to extend (a military unit) especially in width
b
: to place in battle formation or appropriate positions
deploying troops to the region
2
: 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
deployable adjective

Examples of deploy in a Sentence

The troops were deployed for battle. They plan to deploy more American soldiers over the next six months. Two scientists were deployed to study the problem. Both campaigns are deploying volunteers to the cities to encourage people to vote. Equipment and supplies have been deployed across the country. He deploys several arguments to prove his point. Wait several seconds before deploying the parachute. The boat's sails were not fully deployed. The parachute failed to deploy properly.
Recent Examples on the Web For example, their relief vehicles lacked standard equipment, which added to delays in deploying them. Anumita Kaur, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024 For example, KeyBank has deployed a conversational AI tool to reduce the volume of calls to human customer service agents. John Kell, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2024 India is deploying over 300,000 members of its federal security forces to help transport voting machines and maintain peace at voting booths this year. Hari Kumar, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2024 Previously, the company has deployed AI tools to help with route planning and EV plug locating. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 17 Apr. 2024 The students became targets of anti-integration mobs, prompting then-President Dwight Eisenhower to deploy the National Guard to enforce the law and protect the students. Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2024 Authorities in Paris will use pioneering surveillance technology to monitor possible threats, with plans to deploy SWAT teams where necessary. Patrick Smith, NBC News, 15 Apr. 2024 An Indiana National Guard soldier, deployed to the nation’s border in Texas, shot a migrant who had stabbed two people, according to the cable news network NewsNation. Jake Allen, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Apr. 2024 The Margaret Norvell encountered the boat about 190 miles south of Puerto Rico, and members of the crew were deployed with two boarding officers from Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team-South. USA TODAY, 6 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deploy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French déployer "to unfurl, spread out, display, arrange for a purpose," going back to Old French despleier, desploier "to unfurl, set out to view" — more at display entry 1

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of deploy was in 1616

Dictionary Entries Near deploy

Cite this Entry

“Deploy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deploy. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

deploy

verb
de·​ploy di-ˈplȯi How to pronounce deploy (audio)
: to move, spread out, or place in position for some purpose
troops deployed for battle
deploy police to prevent a riot
deployment noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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