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¹put

verb \ˈpu̇t\

putput·ting

Definition of PUT

transitive verb

a : to place in a specified position or relationship : lay <put the book on the table>

b : to move in a specified direction

c (1) : to send (as a weapon or missile) into or through something : thrust (2) : to throw with an overhand pushing motion <put the shot>

d : to bring into a specified state or condition <a reapportionment … that was put into effect at the September primaries — Current Biography>

e : to prescribe a specified regimen for —usually used with on <put her on medication> <put him on a diet>

a : to cause to endure or suffer something : subject <put traitors to death>

b : impose, inflict <put a special tax on luxuries>

a : to set before one for judgment or decision <put the question>

b : to call for a formal vote on <put the motion>

a (1) : to convey into another form <want to put my feelings into words> (2) : to translate into another language or style <put the poem into English> (3) : adapt <lyrics put to music>

b : express, state <putting it mildly>

a : to devote (oneself) to an activity or end <put himself to winning back their confidence>

b : apply <put her mind to the problem>

c : assign <put them to work>

d : to cause to perform an action : urge <put the horse over the fence>

e : impel, incite <put them into a frenzy>

a : repose, rest <puts his faith in reason>

b : invest 1 <put her money in the company>

a : to give as an estimate <put the time as about eleven>

b : attach, attribute <puts a high value on their friendship>

c : impute <put the blame on the partners>

: bet, wager <put $2 on the favorite>

intransitive verb

: to start in motion : go; especially : to leave in a hurry

of a ship : to take a specified course <put down the river>

— put forth

a : assert, propose

b : to make public : issue

: to bring into action : exert

: to produce or send out by growth <put forth leaves>

: to start out

— put forward

: propose <put forward a theory>

— put in mind

: remind

— put one's finger on

: identify <put his finger on the cause of the trouble>

— put one's foot down

: to take a firm stand

— put one's foot in one's mouth

: to make a tactless or embarrassing blunder

— put paid to

chiefly British

: to finish off : bring an end to

— put the arm on or put the bite on

: to ask for money

— put the finger on

: to inform on <put the finger on … heroin pushers — Barrie Zwicker>

— put the make on

: to make sexual advances toward

— put to bed

: to make the final preparations for printing (as a newspaper)

— put together

: to create as a unified whole : construct

: add, combine

See put defined for English-language learners

See put defined for kids

Origin of PUT

Middle English putten; akin to Old English putung instigation, Middle Dutch poten to plant

First Known Use: 12th century

Related to PUT

Synonyms: depose, deposit, dispose, emplace, fix, lay, position, place, set, set up, situate, stick

Antonyms: remit

²put

noun

Definition of PUT

: a throw made with an overhand pushing motion; specifically : the act or an instance of putting the shot

: an option to sell a specified amount of a security (as a stock) or commodity (as wheat) at a fixed price at or within a specified time — compare call 3d

See put defined for English-language learners