I. ˈimpləmənt noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin implementum action of filling up, from Latin implēre to fill up, finish (from in- in- (II) + plēre to fill) + -mentum -ment — more at full
1.
a. : an article (as of apparel or furniture) serving to equip
the implements of religious worship
b. : a tool or utensil forming part of equipment for work
a farm implement
an implement of war
the implements of his trade
useful implements such as axes, chisels, gouges, arrowheads, pestles and mortars, and ornamented pipes — American Guide Series: Rhode Island
the need for an implement to help roll the heavy logs — McGill News
c. : one that serves as an instrument or tool
judges striving to be efficient implements of justice
the most stringent implement that could be employed … would be withdrawal of safe conduct for Swedish ships plying the Atlantic — Newsweek
2. Scots law : fulfillment , performance
Synonyms:
implement , tool , instrument , appliance , utensil apply in common to any device usually relatively simple for performing a mechanical or manual operation. implement applies to anything, usually a contrivance, necessary to effect an end or perform a task
spades and other gardener's implements
swords, guns, and implements of war
propaganda as an implement of cold war
the quill pen was an early implement of communication
tool suggests an implement adapted to facilitate a given work, especially the work of a craftsman or artisan
carpenter's tools
a pipe wrench and other plumber's tools
a new research tool, in the form of a bibliography of all the literature on the arctic put out in the last 75 years — Science
reference tools like the dictionary and the encyclopedia — English Language Arts
the breeder uses three basic tools to bring about the genetic improvement of animals … selection, inbreeding, and crossing — Science in Farming
instrument suggests delicate construction or precision work as in dentistry, surgery, or surveying and may extend beyond mechanical or manual operation as in instruments for recording temperatures or rates of speed or musical instruments or in any more or less precise device for achieving any end
the laboratory instruments necessary to careful scientific research
an oscilloscope and other radio-testing instruments
language is the essential instrument for the acquirement and communication of ideas — L.J.Shehan
in a day when novels were considered instruments of Satan — American Guide Series: New York
appliance is used usually for a device which effects work but which is moved by some power other than or in addition to guidance or control by hand
washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and other household appliances
appliance means current-consuming equipment, fixed or portable; for example, heating, cooking, and small motor-operated equipment — National Electric Safety Code
the clutch cleats for the sheet lines, reefing gears, and many other appliances used with the enormous sails — E.J.Schoettle
utensil suggests something useful in accomplishing work, especially domestic work or work similar to it, and usually manageable by hand
pipe, pipe cleaners, and other smoking utensils
a rolling pin, a fork, a frying pan and an oven are the utensils with which she makes her pie — Gilbert Ryle
kitchen utensils
fingers were the only eating utensils — H.A.Chippendale
II. -ˌment, -_mənt — see -ment II transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1.
a. : to carry out : accomplish , fulfill
wondering how he might best implement his purpose
continued to clamor for action to implement the promise — New York Times
a committee to implement the plans so well formulated
especially : to give practical effect to and ensure of actual fulfillment by concrete measures
failure to carry out and implement the will of the majority — Clement Attlee
an agency created to implement the recommendation of the committee
programs to implement our foreign policy
b. : to provide instruments or means of practical expression for
survey the problem as a whole and implement the joint interest in an expanding economy — George Soule
2. : supplement
Synonyms: see enforce