work

³work

verb

worked\ˈwərkt\ or wrought\ˈrȯt\work·ing

Definition of WORK

transitive verb

1

: to bring to pass : effect <work miracles>

2

a : to fashion or create a useful or desired product by expending labor or exertion on : forge, shape <work flint into tools> b : to make or decorate with needlework; especially : embroider

3

a : to prepare for use by stirring or kneading b : to bring into a desired form by a gradual process of cutting, hammering, scraping, pressing, or stretching <work cold steel>

4

: to set or keep in motion, operation, or activity : cause to operate or produce <a pump worked by hand> <work farmland>

5

: to solve (a problem) by reasoning or calculation —often used with out

6

a : to cause to toil or labor <worked their horses nearly to death> b : to make use of : exploit c : to control or guide the operation of <switches are worked from a central tower>

7

a : to carry on an operation or perform a job through, at, in, or along <the peddler worked the corner> <a sportscaster hired to work the game> b : to greet and talk with in a friendly way in order to ingratiate oneself or achieve a purpose <politicians working the crowd> <worked the room>

8

: to pay for or achieve with labor or service <worked my way through college> <worked my way up in the company>

9

a : to get (oneself or an object) into or out of a condition or position by gradual stages b : contrive, arrange <we can work it so that you can take your vacation>

10

a : to practice trickery or cajolery on for some end <worked the management for a free ticket> b : excite, provoke <worked myself into a rage>

intransitive verb

1

a : to exert oneself physically or mentally especially in sustained effort for a purpose or under compulsion or necessity b : to perform or carry through a task requiring sustained effort or continuous repeated operations <worked all day over a hot stove> c : to perform work or fulfill duties regularly for wages or salary <works in publishing>

2

: to function or operate according to plan or design <hinges work better with oil>

3

: to exert an influence or tendency

4

: to produce a desired effect or result : succeed <a plan that will work>

5

a : to make way slowly and with difficulty : move or progress laboriously <worked up to the presidency> b : to sail to windward

6

: to permit of being worked : react in a specified way to being worked <this wood works easily>

7

a : to be in agitation or restless motion b : ferment 1 c : to move slightly in relation to another part d : to get into a specified condition by slow or imperceptible movements <the knot worked loose>

— work on

1

: affect <worked on my sympathies>

2

: to strive to influence or persuade

— work upon

: to have effect upon : operate on

Examples of WORK

1. I started working when I was sixteen.
2. She works part-time at the restaurant.
3. She has always wanted to work in advertising.
4. She has to work two jobs to support her family.
5. She worked through lunch to get the report done.
6. I'm not working tomorrow—the boss gave me the day off.
7. He works about 60 hours a week.
8. The job requires that you work some nights and weekends.
9. She is used to working long hours.
10. She works the Northeast region of the state selling insurance.

Origin of WORK

Middle English werken, worken, from Old English wyrcan; akin to Old English weorc

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WORK

Synonyms: beget, breed, bring, bring about, bring on, catalyze, cause, create, do, draw on, effectuate, engender, generate, induce, invoke, make, occasion, produce, prompt, result (in), spawn, translate (into), effect, yield

Related Words: conduce (to), contribute (to); decide, determine; begin, establish, father, found, inaugurate, initiate, innovate, institute, introduce, launch, pioneer, set, set up, start; advance, cultivate, develop, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote; enact, render, turn out

Near Antonyms: impede, limit, restrict; clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, dampen, put down, quash, quell, repress, smother, squash, squelch, stifle, subdue, suppress; arrest, check, control, curb, inhibit, rein (in), restrain, retard; can [slang], kill, snuff (out), still; abolish, demolish, destroy, extinguish, liquidate, quench

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