ap·ply

[uh-plahy] verb, ap·plied, ap·ply·ing.
verb (used with object)
1.
to make use of as relevant, suitable, or pertinent: to apply a theory to a problem.
2.
to put to use, especially for a particular purpose: to apply pressure to open a door.
3.
to bring into action; use; employ: He applied the brakes and skidded to a stop.
4.
to use a label or other designation: Don't apply any such term to me.
5.
to use for or assign to a specific purpose: He applied a portion of his salary each week to savings.
6.
to put into effect: They applied the rules to new members only.
7.
to devote or employ diligently or with close attention: to apply one's mind to a problem; to apply oneself to a task.
8.
to place in contact with; lay or spread on: to apply paint to a wall; to apply a bandage to a wound.
9.
to bring into physical contact with or close proximity to: to apply a match to gunpowder.
10.
to credit to, as an account: to apply $10 to his account at the store.
verb (used without object)
11.
to be pertinent, suitable, or relevant: The argument applies to the case. The theory doesn't apply.
12.
to make an application or request; ask: to apply for a job; to apply for a raise.
13.
to lay or spread on: The plastic coating is easy to apply on any surface.
14.
to be placed or remain in contact: This paint doesn't apply very easily.
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Origin:
1350–1400; Middle English ap(p)lien < Anglo-French, Old French ap(p)lier < Latin applicāre, equivalent to ap- ap-1 + plicāre to fold; see ply2

Related forms
ap·pli·a·ble, adjective
ap·pli·a·ble·ness, noun
ap·pli·a·bly, adverb
ap·pli·er, noun
pre·ap·ply, verb (used with object), pre·ap·plied, pre·ap·ply·ing.
re·ap·ply, verb, re·ap·plied, re·ap·ply·ing.
un·ap·pli·a·ble, adjective
un·ap·pli·a·b·ly, adverb

Synonyms
3. utilize. 5. appropriate, allot, assign, dedicate. 12. petition, sue, entreat.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To apply
Collins
World English Dictionary
apply (əˈplaɪ) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
—vb (often foll by for) (often foll by to) , -plies, -plying, -plied
1.  (tr) to put to practical use; utilize; employ
2.  (intr) to be relevant, useful, or appropriate
3.  (tr) to cause to come into contact with; put onto
4.  to put in an application or request
5.  to devote (oneself, one's efforts) with diligence
6.  (tr) to bring into operation or use: the police only applied the law to aliens
7.  (tr) to refer (a word, epithet, etc) to a person or thing
 
[C14: from Old French aplier, from Latin applicāre to attach to]
 
ap'plier
 
—n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

apply
late 14c., from O.Fr. aplier (Mod.Fr. appliquer), from L. applicare "to attach to, to devote oneself to," from ad- "to" + plicare "fold" see ply (v.)). The etymological sense is "to bring things in contact with one another."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Chief among these is the realization that every day is a good day to apply for
  an adjunct job.
Lift the bottom, cut the edge of the jeans top and apply hot glue around the
  side of the pot along the bottom edge.
Engineers apply weather forecasting methods to earthquake prediction.
The last two requirements would apply even if no country defaults.
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