Definitions for use

Definitions for (noun) use

Main entry: manipulation, use

Definition: exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage

Usage: his manipulation of his friends was scandalous


Main entry: habit, use

Definition: (psychology) an automatic pattern of behavior in reaction to a specific situation; may be inherited or acquired through frequent repetition

Usage: owls have nocturnal habits; she had a habit twirling the ends of her hair; long use had hardened him to it


Main entry: usage, use, utilisation, utilization, employment, exercise

Definition: the act of using

Usage: he warned against the use of narcotic drugs; skilled in the utilization of computers


Main entry: use, purpose, role, function

Definition: what something is used for

Usage: the function of an auger is to bore holes; ballet is beautiful but what use is it?


Main entry: use

Definition: a particular service

Usage: he put his knowledge to good use; patrons have their uses


Main entry: use, enjoyment

Definition: (law) the exercise of the legal right to enjoy the benefits of owning property

Usage: we were given the use of his boat


Main entry: consumption, economic consumption, usance, use, use of goods and services

Definition: (economics) the utilization of economic goods to satisfy needs or in manufacturing

Usage: the consumption of energy has increased steadily


Definitions for (verb) use

Main entry: expend, use

Definition: use up, consume fully

Usage: The legislature expended its time on school questions


Main entry: use, utilise, utilize, employ, apply

Definition: put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

Usage: use your head!; we only use Spanish at home; I can't use this tool; Apply a magnetic field here; This thinking was applied to many projects; How do you utilize this tool?; I apply this rule to get good results; use the plastic bags to store the food; He doesn't know how to use a computer


Main entry: habituate, use

Definition: take or consume (regularly or habitually)

Usage: She uses drugs rarely


Main entry: use

Definition: habitually do something (use only in the past tense)

Usage: She used to call her mother every week but now she calls only occasionally; I used to get sick when I ate in that dining hall; They used to vacation in the Bahamas


Main entry: practice, use, apply

Definition: avail oneself to

Usage: apply a principle; practice a religion; use care when going down the stairs; use your common sense; practice non-violent resistance


Main entry: use

Definition: seek or achieve an end by using to one's advantage

Usage: She uses her influential friends to get jobs; The president's wife used her good connections


Visual thesaurus for use