furnish

fur·nish

verb \ˈfər-nish\

Definition of FURNISH

transitive verb

1

: to provide with what is needed; especially : to equip with furniture

2

: supply, give <furnished food and shelter for the refugees>

— fur·nish·er noun

Examples of FURNISH

1. The inn is beautifully furnished.
2. He has enough money to furnish the apartment nicely.
3. We'll furnish the food for the party.
4. Can he furnish the information to us?

Origin of FURNISH

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

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to FURNISH

Synonyms: accoutre (or accouter), equip, fit (out), gird, kit (up or out) [chiefly British], outfit, provision, rig, supply

Antonyms: hold (back), keep (back), reserve, retain, withhold

Related Words: stock, store; bestow, contribute, donate, give, present; apportion, deal (out), dispense, distribute, dole out, hand out, mete (out), parcel (out), portion, prorate; allocate, allot, assign; arm, fortify, prepare; reequip, refit, refurnish, reoutfit

Near Antonyms: deprive, dispossess, divest, strip

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of FURNISH

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>.

Rhymes with FURNISH

burnish