Main Entry:

fur·nish

Pronunciation:

\ˈfər-nish\

Function:

transitive verb

Etymology:

Middle English furnisshen, from Anglo-French furniss-, stem of furnir, fournir to complete, equip, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German frummen to further, fruma advantage — more at foremost

Date:

15th century

1: to provide with what is needed ; especially : to equip with furniture2: supply, give <furnished food and shelter for the refugees>

— fur·nish·er noun

synonyms furnish, equip, outfit, appoint, accoutre mean to supply one with what is needed. furnish implies the provision of any or all essentials for performing a function <a sparsely furnished apartment>. equip suggests the provision of something making for efficiency in action or use <a fully equipped kitchen>. outfit implies provision of a complete list or set of articles as for a journey, an expedition, or a special occupation <outfitted the family for a ski trip>. appoint implies provision of complete and usually elegant or elaborate equipment or furnishings <a lavishly appointed apartment>. accoutre suggests the supplying of personal dress or equipment for a special activity <fully accoutred members of a polar expedition>.