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| Date: | 1300-1400 |
| Language: | Old French |
| Origin: | aplier, from Latin applicare, from ad- 'to' + plicare 'to fold' |
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ap‧ply S1 W1
past tense and past participle applied, present participle applying, third person singular applies
past tense and past participle applied, present participle applying, third person singular applies1 to make a formal request, usually written, for something such as a job, a place in a university, or permission to do something
request
[intransitive]2 to have an effect on or to concern a particular person, group, or situation
affect
[intransitive,transitive not in progressive] apply to 
Do the same rules apply to part-time workers?The offer only applies to flights from London and Manchester.
Do the same rules apply to part-time workers?The offer only applies to flights from London and Manchester.3 to use something such as a method, idea, or law in a particular situation, activity, or process These ideas are often difficult to apply in practice.
use
[transitive]These ideas are often difficult to apply in practice.4 to work hard at something, especially with a lot of attention for a long time : Stephen would do well if only he applied himself.
apply yourself
Stephen would do well if only he applied himself.5 to make something such as a piece of equipment operate, usually by pushing or pressing something : apply the brakes
make something work
[transitive]apply the brakes6 to put or spread something such as paint, liquid, or medicine onto a surface : Apply the cream evenly over the skin.
spread paint/liquid etc
[transitive]Apply the cream evenly over the skin.8 to use a particular word or name to describe something or someone : The term 'mat' can be applied to any small rug.
use a word
[transitive]The term 'mat' can be applied to any small rug.