# procure

/pɹoʊkˈjʊɹ/ (US) · /pɹəkjˈɔː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/procure
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to obtain with effort

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to get something that is difficult to find or requires special effort.

For teachers: to obtain or acquire something, typically with particular care or effort. Transitive — requires a direct object.

- The chef managed to procure fresh truffles for the special dinner.
- The department was tasked to procure high-grade raw materials from international suppliers despite the ongoing trade restrictions.

Usage: Often used in business or government contexts regarding the acquisition of supplies.

### 2. illegal solicitation

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

to find a prostitute for someone else.

For teachers: to obtain a person for the purpose of prostitution. Transitive — carries specific criminal implications in legal contexts.

- He was arrested for attempting to procure young women for the club.
- The defendant was charged with conspiracy to procure individuals for illegal sex work across state lines.

Teaching tip: This is a highly specific legal and criminal sense; learners should be careful not to use 'procure' in casual social contexts where 'get' or 'find' is intended.

### 3. to cause or bring about

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary · Formal

to make something happen through effort.

For teachers: to bring about or cause to happen, especially by careful planning or influence.

- She tried to procure a peaceful solution to the family argument.
- The diplomat worked tirelessly to procure a ceasefire before the winter set in.

Usage: Usually takes an abstract noun as an object, such as 'peace', 'result', or 'settlement'.

## Examples

- She managed to procure two tickets for the sold-out show.
- The hospital worked around the clock to procure enough medical supplies for the emergency response team.
- The legal team spent months attempting to procure the necessary evidence to prove their client's innocence in the high-profile case.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.