Topic: DRUG CULTURE
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| Date: | 1200-1300 |
| Language: | Old French |
| Origin: | user, from Latin usus, past participle of uti 'to use' |
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use1 S1 W1
1 if you use a particular tool, method, service, ability etc, you do something with that tool, by means of that method etc, for a particular purpose : Can I use your phone? I'll show you which room you can use. I always use the same shampoo. Use your imagination when planning meals. She booked the flight using a false name.
use something
[transitive]Can I use your phone?I'll show you which room you can use.I always use the same shampoo.Use your imagination when planning meals.She booked the flight using a false name. use something for (doing) something They were using animals for scientific experiments. Bob uses the van for picking up groceries.
They were using animals for scientific experiments.Bob uses the van for picking up groceries. use force (=use violent methods)
2 to take an amount of something from a supply of food, gas, money etc : We use about £40 worth of electricity a month. Standard washing machines use about 40 gallons of water.
amount of something
[transitive]We use about £40 worth of electricity a month.Standard washing machines use about 40 gallons of water.3 to make someone do something for you in order to get something you want : Can't you see that Howard is just using you?
treat somebody unfairly
[transitive]Can't you see that Howard is just using you?4 to take advantage of a situation
an advantage
[transitive] use something to do something She used her position as manager to get jobs for her friends.
She used her position as manager to get jobs for her friends.5 if you say you could use something, you mean you would really like to have it : I could use a drink.
could use something
spokenI could use a drink.6 to say or write a particular word or phrase : We use the word 'hardware' to describe the actual machine.
word
[transitive]SLWe use the word 'hardware' to describe the actual machine.use something ↔ up
phrasal verbShe's used up all the hot water.