procure
- 01 C1 Advanced
to get something that is difficult to find or requires special effort.
to obtain or acquire something, typically with particular care or effort. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Simple“The chef managed to procure fresh truffles for the special dinner.”
In context“The department was tasked to procure high-grade raw materials from international suppliers despite the ongoing trade restrictions.”
UsageOften used in business or government contexts regarding the acquisition of supplies.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
to find a prostitute for someone else.
to obtain a person for the purpose of prostitution. Transitive — carries specific criminal implications in legal contexts.
Simple“He was arrested for attempting to procure young women for the club.”
In context“The defendant was charged with conspiracy to procure individuals for illegal sex work across state lines.”
Teacher's tipThis 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.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
to make something happen through effort.
to bring about or cause to happen, especially by careful planning or influence.
Simple“She tried to procure a peaceful solution to the family argument.”
In context“The diplomat worked tirelessly to procure a ceasefire before the winter set in.”
UsageUsually takes an abstract noun as an object, such as 'peace', 'result', or 'settlement'.
“In 2020 , as part of the National Security Space Launch program, the US Space Force procured dozens of Vulcan launches for military missions.”
From Middle English procuren, from Old French procurer, from Late Latin prōcūrāre (“to manage, administer”), from prō (“on behalf of”) + cūrō (“to care for”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.