Entry Word: apply

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to have a relation or connection <does your rule about calling home apply to me as well?>

Synonyms appertain, bear, pertain, refer, relate

Related Words affect, concern, interest, involve, touch; associate, connect, couple, interrelate, link, tie in; deal (with), treat

Phrases have to do with

2 to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention <Sam applied himself to writing thank-you letters to everyone whoʼd helped sponsor him for the jamboree>

Synonyms address, bend, buckle, devote, give

Related Words readdress, reapply; knuckle down, set (to), settle (down); busy, commit, concern, engage, involve; exert, exhaust, put out, spend, strain, stress, tax, trouble, wear out; carry on, pitch in, plunge (in); grind, hump, hustle, peg (away), plod, plow, plug (away), work

Near Antonyms dally, dawdle, dillydally, fiddle, fool (around), idle, mess (around), monkey (around), play, potter, putter, trifle

3 to put a layer of on a surface <apply the ointment liberally> — see spread 2
4 to put into action or service <apply the laws of motion to this physics problem> — see use 1
5 to bring to bear especially forcefully or effectively <apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding> — see exert
6 to carry out effectively <a police officer applying the law> — see enforce