lay on

1 to put a layer of on a surface she lays the butter on so thickly that you hardly taste the bagel Synonyms apply, lay, spreadRelated Words anoint, bedaub, besmear, dab, daub, plaster, slather, smear; blanket, carpet, coat, cover, layer, mantle, overlay, overlie, overspread, sheet, surfaceNear Antonyms bare, expose, peel, strip, uncover

2 chiefly British  to provide with a paying job lay on more staff for the busy tourist season in the Lake District Synonyms assume, engage, fee [chiefly Scottish], hire, employ [chiefly British], pay, place, recruit, retain, sign (up or on), take onRelated Words reemploy, reengage, rehire; apprentice, contract, job, partner, subcontract; enlist; advance, promote, upgrade; keep (on); headhunt, scoutNear Antonyms furlough, lay off, lock outAntonyms ax (or axe), can, discharge, dismiss, fire, sack