deploy

verb

de·​ploy di-ˈplȯi 

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

di-ˈplȯi-ə-bəl 

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

When deployed in numbers, Archimedes units form a resilient defense grid, creating persistent protection for forces, facilities, and critical infrastructure. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who has faced criticism for her city's response to deadly fires in 2025, said she's directed the fire department to deploy personnel and equipment ahead of the winds. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

The agency, created in 1974 in the wake of the Arab oil embargo, is tasked with maintaining energy security by deploying oil stockpiles in response to crises like the wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026

Strong winds, waves, and snow pose a big challenge to floating solar arrays, which have been deployed to generate renewable energy all over the world. — Sal Vaglica, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for deploy

• ahoy
• alloy
• annoy
• carboy
• convoy
• cowboy
• decoy
• destroy
• employ
• employe
• enjoy
• kilroy

Kids Definition

deploy

verb

de·​ploy di-ˈplȯi 

: to move, spread out, or place in position for some purpose

troops deployed for battle

deploy police to prevent a riot

deployment

-mənt 

noun