First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
1put
verb \ˈpu̇t\
putput·ting
Definition of PUT
transitive verb
1
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>
2
3
a : to set before one for judgment or decision <put the question> b : to call for a formal vote on <put the motion>
4
5
7
intransitive verb
1
: to start in motion : go; especially : to leave in a hurry
2
of a ship : to take a specified course <put down the river>
— put forth
— 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)
See put defined for English-language learners
See put defined for kids
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Origin of PUT
Middle English putten; akin to Old English putung instigation, Middle Dutch poten to plant
2put
noun
Definition of PUT
1
: a throw made with an overhand pushing motion; specifically : the act or an instance of putting the shot
2
: 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
First Known Use of PUT
14th century
3put
adjective
PUT ONE'S FOOT DOWN Defined for Kids
put
verb \ˈpu̇t\
putput·ting
Definition of PUT for Kids
1
: to place in or move into a particular position <She put the book on a table.> <Put your hand up.>
2
: to bring into a specified state or condition <The charity puts the money to good use.> <He put the room in order.>
3
: to cause to undergo something <Our class puts them to shame.>
4
: to give expression to <I can't put my fear into words.> <This book puts the idea clearly.>
5
: to devote to or urge to an activity <They can improve if they put their minds to it.> <The coach is putting us to work.>
6
: to think of as worthy of : attribute <The candidate puts a high value on peace.>
7
: to begin a voyage <The ship put to sea.>
— put away
: to take in food and drink <She put away a big dinner.>
— put down
1
: to bring to an end by force <Police put down the riot.>
2
: criticize 2
— put forward
: propose 1 <The committee put forward a new plan.>
— put in
1
: to ask for <She put in for a job.>
2
: to spend time in a place or activity <I put in two hours of work.>
— put off
: to hold back to a later time : defer <I put off my appointment.>
— put on
— put out
1
: extinguish 1 <Be sure to put out the light.>
3
: 1make 1 <The factory puts out tires.>
4
: to cause to be out (in baseball)
5
: to make use of <The team put out a real effort.>
— put together
1
: to create as a whole : construct
2
: to consider as a single unit <“… Mr. Rice taught me more than all my other teachers put together.” — Katherine Paterson, Jacob Have I Loved>
— put up
1
: 1build 1 <The town plans to put up a new school.>
2
: to make (as food) ready for later use <I put vegetables up for the winter.>
3
: to give or get shelter and often food <They often put tourists up.>
4
: to make by action or effort <They put up a good fight.>
— put up to
: to urge or cause to do something wrong or unexpected <Those kids put me up to the prank.>
— put up with
: to stand for : tolerate <I won't put up with any more of his nonsense.>
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