/ əˈplaɪ; NAmE / verb
( ap·plies , ap·ply·ing , ap·plied , ap·plied )
FOR JOB / COURSE
1.
apply (to sb/sth) (for sth) to make a formal request, usually in writing, for sth such as a job, a place, at college, university, etc. :
[ v ]
to apply for a job / passport / grant
to apply to a company / university
You should apply in person / by letter .
[ v to inf ]
He has applied to join the army.
USE
2.
[ vn ] apply sth (to sth) to use sth or make sth work in a particular situation :
to apply economic sanctions / political pressure
The new technology was applied to farming.
PAINT / CREAM
3.
[ vn ] apply sth (to sth) to put or spread sth such as paint, cream, etc. onto a surface :
Apply the cream sparingly to your face and neck.
BE RELEVANT
4.
(not used in the progressive tenses) apply (to sb/sth) to concern or relate to sb/sth :
[ v ]
Special conditions apply if you are under 18.
What I am saying applies only to some of you.
[ vn ]
The word 'unexciting' could never be applied to her novels.
WORK HARD
5.
[ vn ] apply yourself (to sth / to doing sth) to work at sth or study sth very hard :
You would pass your exams if you applied yourself.
We applied our minds to finding a solution to our problem.
PRESS HARD
6.
[ vn ] to press on sth hard with your hand, foot, etc. to make sth work or have an effect on sth :
to apply the brakes (of a vehicle)
Pressure applied to the wound will stop the bleeding.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French aplier , from Latin applicare fold, fasten to, from ad- to + plicare to fold.