ENGLISH
REFERENCE

equip

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ɪˈkwɪp// UK //ɪkwˈɪp// equip Academic General-service Slang

v. to provide someone or something with the tools, skills, or equipment they need for a specific task.

v. to supply with the necessary items for a particular purpose; to prepare mentally or physically for a challenge.


SIMPLE

The school will equip every student with a new laptop.

CONTEXTUAL

The training program aims to equip new managers with the leadership skills required to handle difficult team conflicts.

COMPLEX

While the laboratory is currently underfunded, the grant will eventually equip the facility with the high-resolution imaging technology necessary for advanced molecular research.

Synonyms
Origin

From French équiper (“to supply, fit out”), originally said of a ship, Old French esquiper (“to embark”); of Germanic origin, most probably from Old Norse skipa (“to man (a ship)”), from Proto-Germanic *skipōną (“to ship, sail, embark”). Compare with Middle High German schipfen, German schiffern, Icelandic skipa, Old English scipian. Doublet of ship.

Usage

The verb is transitive and typically follows the pattern 'equip someone with something'.

Pitfall

The kit equips to the hikers.The kit equips the hikers.Equip is transitive; the person or thing receiving the tools must be the direct object.

© 2026 English Reference