deploy

[ dih-ploi ]

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.

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

/ 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

Derived Forms

• deˈployment, noun

Other Words From

• de·ploy·a·ble adjective
• de·ploy·a·bil·i·ty [dih-ploi-, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], noun
• de·ploy·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deploy¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of deploy¹

C18: from French déployer, from Latin displicāre to unfold; see display

Example Sentences

Russian forces have been using landmines widely in Ukraine - since it launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has deployed landmines to both defend their positions and slow down the Ukrainians.

From BBC

Already, elected Republicans are deploying their favorite trick from the first Trump presidency: claiming they simply haven’t seen the horrible thing reporters are asking about.

From Salon

"We accept that opportunities were missed to deploy a clinical team leader to this incident," she said.

From BBC

Washington has already been providing anti-tank mines to Ukraine, but the anti-personnel land mines - which can be rapidly deployed - are designed to blunt the advances of ground forces.

From BBC

The review will look at how they are being deployed and what safeguards are needed going forward.

From BBC

Related Words

• expand
• open
• set up
• use