[ap.ply] vb ap.plied ; ap.ply.ing [ME applien, fr. MF aplier, fr. L applicare, fr. ad- + plicare to fold--more at ply] vt (14c) 1 a: to put to use esp. for some practical purpose "applies pressure to get what he wants" b: to bring into action "~ the brakes" c: to lay or spread on "~ varnish" d: to put into operation or effect "~ a law"
2: to employ diligently or with close attention "should ~ yourself to your work" ~ vi 1: to have relevance or a valid connection "this rule applies to freshmen only"
2: to make an appeal or request esp. in the form of a written application "~ for a job" -- ap.pli.er n