deploy

verb

de·​ploy di-ˈplȯi How to pronounce deploy (audio)
deployed; deploying; deploys

transitive verb

1
a
: to extend (a military unit) especially in width
b
: to place in battle formation or appropriate positions
deploying troops to the region
2
: to spread out, utilize, or arrange for a deliberate purpose
deploy a sales force
deploy a parachute

intransitive verb

: to move, spread out, or function while being deployed
the troops deployed along the front
the parachute failed to deploy
deployable adjective

Examples of deploy in a Sentence

The troops were deployed for battle. They plan to deploy more American soldiers over the next six months. Two scientists were deployed to study the problem. Both campaigns are deploying volunteers to the cities to encourage people to vote. Equipment and supplies have been deployed across the country. He deploys several arguments to prove his point. Wait several seconds before deploying the parachute. The boat's sails were not fully deployed. The parachute failed to deploy properly.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Then came an hourslong standoff, followed by the arrival of a Hamilton County Association SWAT team ‒ though Stiles and Stumpf surrendered before the SWAT team was deployed. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 12 Dec. 2024 The former congressman was deployed to Iraq in 2008 as a member of the Air Force’s 94th Airlift Wing. Sara Dorn, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024 Experts from Congo's National Rapid Response Team and WHO have been deployed to Panzi last week to take samples and investigate, but the remote location—over 435 miles from Kinshasa—posed logistical challenges. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 The order banned all political activity and censored the news media, and troops were deployed to the legislature in Seoul, the South Korean capital. Stella Kim, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deploy 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French déployer "to unfurl, spread out, display, arrange for a purpose," going back to Old French despleier, desploier "to unfurl, set out to view" — more at display entry 1

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of deploy was in 1616

Dictionary Entries Near deploy

Cite this Entry

“Deploy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deploy. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

deploy

verb
de·​ploy di-ˈplȯi How to pronounce deploy (audio)
: to move, spread out, or place in position for some purpose
troops deployed for battle
deploy police to prevent a riot
deployment noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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