deploy

verb de·ploy \ di-ˈplȯi \

|Updated on: 18 Jul 2018

Examples: deploy in a Sentence

Definition of deploy

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

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deployable

play \-ə-bəl\ adjective

—

deployment

play \-mənt\ noun

See deploy defined for English-language learners

See deploy defined for kids

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 of deploy from the Web

The brigades were organized along paramilitary lines and have been frequently deployed by the government to repress the dissident Ladies in White and other opposition groups.

— nora gámez torres, miamiherald, "He now hunts Cuban human-rights abusers in the U.S. Was he once an offender himself?," 12 July 2018
The male equivalent, deployed by a roués’ gallery that includes the former congressman Anthony Weiner, Kanye West and several famous athletes, has become so common as to be mocked virally on Snapchat.

— laren stover, New York Times, "The Selfie That Dares to Go There," 7 July 2018
Keep that process in mind when wrapping your mind around this strategy set to be deployed by the Lake County Division of Transportation: Pavement rejuvenation.

— dan moran, Lake County News-Sun, "Moran: Lake County looks to rejuvenate pavement before wear-and-tear sets in," 6 July 2018
Its already controversial when deployed by governments: The United Arab Emirates reportedly tried to use it to spy on a pro-democracy activist in 2016.

— derek hawkins, Washington Post, "The Cybersecurity 202: Spyware theft case offers a cautionary tale for encryption debate," 6 July 2018
Bly advocates for Tanner, as does Anthony Alston, who became Tanner’s pen pal when he was deployed in the Army.

— becky jacobs, Post-Tribune, "Gary boxer convicted of leading gang was denied clemency by Obama, now seeks release under Trump," 6 July 2018
Victor, an energetic lab/bulldog/hound mix, will be used for search and rescue work, but can be deployed by Santee Fire Department, if needed.

— karen pearlman, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Santee firefighter's dog Victor goes from rescued to rescuer," 5 July 2018
This helps the torpedo avoid decoys and jamming devices that might be deployed by the target.

— kris osborn, Fox News, "Navy pursues new long-range, stealthy and precise Mk 48 heavyweight attack torpedo," 25 June 2018
Companies seek to convince schools that the technology deployed by police in the U.S. and by the military overseas can also save lives in the classroom, and that their products have already been proven effective.

— NBC News, "Schools are spending billions on high-tech security. But are students any safer?," 20 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'deploy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of deploy

French déployer, literally, to unfold, from Old French desploier, from des- dis- + ploier, plier to fold — more at ply

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1616

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

DEPLOY Defined for English Language Learners

deploy

verb

Definition of deploy for English Language Learners

: to organize and send out (people or things) to be used for a particular purpose
: to open up and spread out the parts of (something, such as a parachute)