deploy

American  

[dih-ploi] / dɪˈplɔɪ /

verb (used with object)

1. Military. to spread out (troops) so as to form an extended front or line.

2. to arrange in a position of readiness, or to move strategically or appropriately.

   to deploy a battery of new missiles.

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verb (used without object)

1. to spread out strategically or in an extended front or line.

2. to come into a position ready for use.

   The plane can't land unless the landing gear deploys.

deploy British  

/ dɪˈplɔɪ /

verb

1. to adopt or cause to adopt a battle formation, esp from a narrow front formation

2. (tr) to redistribute (forces) to or within a given area

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Other Word Forms

• deployability noun
• deployable adjective
• deployment noun

Etymology

Origin of deploy

First recorded in 1470–80; from French déployer, equivalent to dé- prefix with negative force + ployer “to fold”; dis- ¹, ploy

Related Words

• expand
• open
• set up
• use