definition of
apply

[1] #1 apply v. [use, utilize, utilise, employ] put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose; "use your head!"; "we only use Spanish at home"; "I can't use this tool"; "Apply a magnetic field here"; "This thinking was applied to many projects"; ". wn

[2] #2 apply v. [hold, go for] be pertinent or relevant or applicable; "The same laws apply to you!"; "This theory holds for all irrational numbers"; "The same rules go for everyone". wn

[3] #3 apply v. ask (for something); "He applied for a leave of absence"; "She applied for college"; "apply for a job". wn

[4] #4 apply v. [put on] apply to a surface; "She applied paint to the back of the house"; "Put on make-up!". wn

[5] #5 apply v. [lend oneself] be applicable to; as to an analysis; "This theory lends itself well to our new data". wn