use
n 1: the act of using; "the steps were worn from years of use"
[syn: {usage}, {utilization}, {utilisation}, {employment},
{exercise}]
2: a particular service; "he put his knowledge to good use";
"patrons have their uses"
3: what something is used for; "the function of an auger is to
bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it?"
[syn: {function}, {purpose}, {role}]
4: (economics) the utilization of economic goods to satisfy
needs or in manufacturing; "the consumption of energy has
increased steadily" [syn: {consumption}, {economic
consumption}, {usance}, {use of goods and services}]
5: a pattern of behavior acquired through frequent repetition;
"she had a habit twirling the ends of her hair"; "long use
had hardened him to it" [syn: {habit}, {wont}]
6: the exercise of a right to benefits; "we were given the use
of his boat"; "deprived of the enjoyment of civil rights"
[syn: {enjoyment}]
7: exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's
own advantage; "his manipulation of his friends was
scandalous" [syn: {manipulation}]
v 1: put into service; make work; make use of of employ for a
particular purpose: "use your head!" "I can't make use
of 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" [syn: {utilize}, {utilise}, {apply}, {employ}]
2: take or consume (regularly); "She uses drugs rarely"
3: seek or achieve an end by using; "She uses her influential
friends to get jobs"
4: use up, consume fully; " The legislature expended its time
on school questions." [syn: {expend}]
5: conduct oneself toward; treat or handle; "You can't use
people to achieve your own evil plans!"
6: avail oneself to; "apply a principle"; "practice a
religion"; "use care when going down the stairs" [syn: {practice},
{apply}]