deploy

verb de·ploy \ di-ˈplȯi \

|Updated on: 15 Aug 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

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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

Kavanaugh is extreme enough that Democrats can usefully deploy him as foil.

— jeet heer, The New Republic, "If Democrats want to fight Brett Kavanaugh, they have a lot of ammunition.," 10 July 2018
But Beijing might still be willing to deploy them, at least temporarily, if its trade war with Washington were to drag on.

— joe mcdonald, The Seattle Times, "How China could hurt US once it ran out of imports to tax," 10 July 2018
But that Friday night in Holland also brought about Walker’s first showing for his country as part of the central three – a position Pep Guardiola had deployed him in previously – with Kieran Trippier taking over on the right-hand side.

— SI.com, "90Min World Cup Fan Diaries: Starting to Believe," 8 July 2018
Teams of volunteers will be deployed after a major weather event to bring water and supplies to those who need it.

— sergio carmona, Jewish Journal, "Jewish organizations step-up hurricane preparedness efforts," 6 July 2018
The latest effort to clean up the planet's growing problem of space junk, RemoveDEBRIS, has been deployed from the International Space Station (ISS).

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Harpoon-Based Space Junk Capture System Is Getting Space Tested," 25 June 2018
The Kentucky National Guard was deployed to the New Mexico border at the beginning of the month.

— thomas novelly, The Courier-Journal, "Some governors pulled National Guard from the border. Not Kentucky.," 20 June 2018
In the meantime, a street crimes unit of eight officers will be deployed this coming week into neighborhoods where there have been spikes in violence.

— maya moore, Courant Community, "South End Residents In Hartford Say Police Not Doing Enough To Stop Prostitution And Drug Dealing," 17 June 2018
Krebs is a firm supporter of using opioids for acute surgical pain or for easing the agony of dying, but there has never been good evidence for deploying them against chronic pain.

— claudia wallis, Scientific American, "Why We Won’t Miss Opioids," 1 June 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)