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deploy

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //dɪˈpɫɔɪ// UK //dɪplˈɔɪ// de·ploy Archaic

v. to move people or equipment into a position where they are ready to be used. You often hear this when talking about soldiers, police, or computer software.

v. to move, position, or distribute resources—such as military personnel, equipment, or software—into an active or functional state. Often implies a strategic transition from a state of readiness to one of practical application.


SIMPLE

The company plans to deploy the new software update tonight.

CONTEXTUAL

The government decided to deploy additional police officers to manage the large crowds during the festival.

COMPLEX

While the military was prepared to deploy troops to the border, diplomatic efforts continued in hopes of reaching a peaceful resolution before any movement occurred.

Origin

Borrowed from French déployer (“to unroll, unfold”), from Old French desploiier, itself from des- + ploiier, or possibly from Late Latin displicāre (“to unfold, display”), from Latin dis- (“apart”) + plicare (“to fold”). Compare Middle English desployen, dysployen (“to unfold, display”). Doublet of display.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, typically a noun phrase representing resources or personnel.

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