v. 1. To let (something) be taken; give up or surrender (something). The general told the troops to lay down their arms. He was willing to lay down his life for his country.
Compare: GIVE UP. 2. To ask people to follow; tell someone to obey; make (a rule or principle). The committee laid down rules about the size of tennis courts. 3. To declare; say positively; say surely; state. She laid it down as always true that "a fool and his money are soon parted." 4. To store or save for future use, especially in a cellar. They laid down several barrels of cider.