v.tr.
1. a distribute (letters, parcels, ordered goods, etc.) to the addressee or the purchaser. b (often foll. by to) hand over (delivered the boy safely to his teacher).
2 (often foll. by from) save, rescue, or set free (delivered him from his enemies).
3 a give birth to (delivered a girl). b (in passive; often foll. by of) give birth (was delivered of a child). c assist at the birth of (delivered six babies that week). d assist in giving birth (delivered the patient successfully).
4 a (often refl.) utter or recite (an opinion, a speech, etc.) (delivered himself of the observation; delivered the sermon well). b (of a judge) pronounce (a judgement).
5 (often foll. by up, over) abandon; resign; hand over (delivered his soul up to God).
6 present or render (an account).
7 launch or aim (a blow, a ball, or an attack).
8 Law hand over formally (esp. a sealed deed to a grantee).
9 colloq. deliver the goods.
10 US cause (voters etc.) to support a candidate.
Phrases and idioms:
deliver the goods colloq. carry out one's part of an agreement.
Derivatives:
deliverable adj. deliverer n.
Etymology: ME f. OF delivrer f. Gallo-Roman (as DE-, LIBERATE)