n.
Pronunciation: ' yüz
Function: verb
Inflected Form: used \ ' yüzd, in the phrase “ used to ” usu ' yüs(t) \ ; us · ing \ ' yü-zi ŋ \
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 archaic : ACCUSTOM , HABITUATE
2 : to put into action or service : avail oneself of : EMPLOY
3 : to consume or take (as liquor or drugs) regularly
4 : to carry out a purpose or action by means of : UTILIZE also : MANIPULATE 2B < used him selfishly>
5 : to expend or consume by putting to use ― often used with up
6 : to behave toward : act with regard to : TREAT < used the prisoners cruelly>
7 : STAND 1D <the house could use a coat of paint>
intransitive verb
1 ― used in the past with to to indicate a former fact or state <we used to go more often> <didn't use to smoke>
2 : to take illicit drugs regularly
synonyms USE , EMPLOY , UTILIZE mean to put into service especially to attain an end. USE implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end <willing to use any means to achieve her ends>. EMPLOY suggests the use of a person or thing that is available but idle, inactive, or disengaged <looking for better ways to employ their skills>. UTILIZE may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something <an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter>.