equip

1 of 2

verb

i-ˈkwip 

equipped; equipping

transitive verb

1

: to furnish for service or action by appropriate provisioning

equip an army

2

: dress, array

3

: to make ready : prepare

wasn't equipped to handle the pressures of the job

equip

2 of 2

abbreviation

equipment

Synonyms of equip

Verb

• prepare
• qualify

Choose the Right Synonym for equip

furnish, equip, outfit, appoint, accoutre mean to supply one with what is needed.

furnish implies the provision of any or all essentials for performing a function.

a sparsely furnished apartment

equip suggests the provision of something making for efficiency in action or use.

a fully equipped kitchen

outfit implies provision of a complete list or set of articles as for a journey, an expedition, or a special occupation.

outfitted the family for a ski trip

appoint implies provision of complete and usually elegant or elaborate equipment or furnishings.

a lavishly appointed apartment

accoutre suggests the supplying of personal dress or equipment for a special activity.

fully accoutred members of a polar expedition

Examples of equip in a Sentence

Verb

More money was needed to train and equip the troops.

Equipped with a hoe and a shovel, I headed for the garden.

Her training has equipped her to deal with emergencies.

She is well-equipped to deal with emergencies.

Those students are not equipped for the challenges of college.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Yes Through the medium of her extra income, the working wife can equip her house with all modern conveniences and engage capable, trustworthy servants who can adequately take care of her home and family. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 23 Mar. 2026

As for grunt, the Zeelander 8 can be equipped with up to four Volvo Penta IPS-1350 engines that afford a top speed of 40 knots, a cruising speed of 32 knots, and a range of 2,700 nautical miles at 7 knots. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2026

One of those models is also equipped with a turret that can extend 65 feet (20 meters) to penetrate inside an aircraft and discharge firefighting chemicals. —Jake Offenhartz, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026

This includes supporting local USDA offices and ensuring staff are well equipped to meet demands. —Patricia Kime, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

modification of Anglo-French eskiper, eschiper to load on board a ship, embark, outfit, man, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English scipian equip a ship, scip ship

First Known Use

Verb

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing equip

• re-equip

Rhymes for equip

• airship
• airstrip
• clerkship
• courtship
• filmstrip
• flagship
• gunship
• headship
• heirship
• judgeship
• kinship
• lightship

Kids Definition

equip

verb

i-ˈkwip

equipped; equipping

1

: to provide with the necessary materials or supplies for service or action

2

: to make ready : prepare