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procure
[ proh-kyoor, pruh- ]
verb (used with object)
- to obtain or get by care, effort, or the use of special means:
to procure evidence.
Antonyms: lose
- to bring about, especially by unscrupulous and indirect means:
to procure secret documents.
Synonyms: contrive
- to obtain (a person) for the purpose of prostitution.
procure
/ prəˈkjʊə /
verb
- tr to obtain or acquire; secure
- to obtain (women or girls) to act as prostitutes
Derived Forms
- proˈcurable, adjective
- proˈcurance, noun
Other Words From
- pro·curement noun
- self-pro·cured adjective
- self-pro·curing adjective
- unpro·cured adjective
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of procure1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
Flowers are ubiquitous in Southern California and so easy to procure, from the buckets of seasonal blooms at your local supermarket to the gaudy $5 bouquets hawked at many freeway off-ramps.
He was arrested April 16 on more than 40 charges including identity fraud, forgery and “procuring or attempting to procure” prescription drugs.
How do you go about ensuring you're procuring the highest quality cheeses?
In another section of the set – which, again, looks like the inside of a warehouse – more experts chilled out quietly on couches that looked like they were procured from another Amazon warehouse.
But Rosenberg said the government takes the position that any payment to procure the housing would “irreparably harm” the VA by diverting the money from other services.
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Related Words
More About Procure
What does procure mean?
To procure something is to obtain or get it, especially through special means or extra effort.
The word is especially used in the context of the formal, official process of purchasing and obtaining materials, supplies, or equipment, particularly in the context of business or government.
The noun form procurement most commonly refers to this process. Many large companies and government agencies have a procurement department that handles the ordering and acquisition of supplies. Such a department is often simply referred to as procurement, as in You’ll have to ask procurement to order those materials.
Procurement can also be used in a general way to refer to the act or process of procuring in any context.
Example: It took me a few months to track it down, but I was able to procure that rare book for her birthday.
Where does procure come from?
The first records of the word procure come from around 1300. It comes from the Latin prōcūrāre, meaning “to take care of” or “to look after.” This is formed from the Latin verb cūrāre, “to care for.” The English verb curate is based on a related root.
Procure doesn’t just mean “get”—it implies extra effort. When something is said to have been procured, it’s usually something special or hard to get, as in I had to make several phone calls, but I was finally able to procure a replacement part for the refrigerator.
When companies and government agencies need to procure things, they call it procurement. Governments often have special departments and laws for procurement, usually with very strict procedures for how purchases can be made and how things can be procured. These rules are intended to ensure that the process doesn’t become corrupted by bribes, kickbacks, and favoritism.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to procure?
- procurement (noun)
- procurable (adjective)
What are some synonyms for procure?
What are some words that share a root or word element with procure?
What are some words that often get used in discussing procure?
How is procure used in real life?
Procure is commonly used in the context of acquiring supplies for businesses or government agencies, but it’s also often used in a general way.
What is life but one long quest to procure increasingly expensive and rare cheeses?
— First We Feast (@firstwefeast) April 20, 2015
Procuring materials for an upcoming weekend project. pic.twitter.com/5hGyCj4lf6
— Hiroshi Lockheimer (@lockheimer) February 2, 2017
#TechTuesdays: Risk-based security measures address risks from untrusted vendors. Many countries have already adopted measures aimed at protecting 5G networks. Mobile network operators need to recognize risk & procure equipment & services from trusted vendors. #AllAboutSecure5G pic.twitter.com/JJHp7JVJfr
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) August 4, 2020
Try using procure!
Which of the following actions may be needed to procure something?
A. track it down
B. order it
C. purchase it
D. all of the above
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