verb
puts; put; putting
[+ obj] always followed by an adverb or preposition
to cause (someone or something) to be in a particular place or position
to cause (something) to go into or through something in a forceful way
to cause (someone) to be in a particular place or send (someone) to a particular place
to show that (someone or something) is in a particular place
The evidence/report puts the defendant at the scene of the crime. [=it shows that the defendant was at the scene of the crime]
to write (something) with a pen or pencil in or on something
She had always dreamed of writing a novel, but she never actually put pen to paper. [=started writing]
always followed by an adverb or preposition :to cause (someone or something) to be in a particular state or condition
They said they shot the injured horse to put it out of its misery. [=so that it would not continue to suffer]
The new technology could put him out of a job. = It could put him out of work. [=it could make him lose his job]
always followed by an adverb or preposition
to cause (someone or something) to do work or perform a task - often + to
to use (something)
always followed by an adverb or preposition :to cause (something) to have an effect on someone or something - usually + on
He puts [=places] great emphasis on the need for new leadership. [=he strongly emphasizes the need for new leadership]
to say or express (something)
Well put!
always followed by an adverb or preposition
to ask (a question) or make (a suggestion) to someone
to ask a group of people to formally vote on (something)
to add music to (words)
sports :to throw (a shot put)
put out [phrasal verb]
put (something) out or put out (something)
to cause (something) to stop burning :extinguish
to stop (something) from working
to take (something) outside and leave it there
to extend (something) outward
to place (something) where people may use it
I wouldn't put it past (someone)
xem past
put about
[phrasal verb]
put (something) about or put about (something) Brit :to tell many people about (something)
a of a boat or ship :to change direction
b put (something) about :to cause (a boat or ship) to change direction
put across
[phrasal verb]
put (something) across or put across (something) :to cause (something) to be clearly understood :to get (something) across
put (yourself) across as (something) :to cause (yourself) to appear to be (a particular type of person)
put a foot wrong
xem foot
put aside
[phrasal verb]
put (something) aside or put aside (something)
to save or keep (something, such as money) to be used at a later time
to stop worrying or thinking about (something)
put at
[phrasal verb]
put (something) at (something) :to guess or estimate (something) to be (something)
The coroner put his time of death at 7:00. [=the coroner estimated that the time of his death was 7:00]
put away
[phrasal verb]
put (something) away or put away (something)
to return (something) to the place where it belongs
to save or keep (something, such as money) to be used at a later time
c informal :to eat (a large amount of food)
put (someone) away or put away (someone) informal :to cause (someone) to be kept in a prison or mental hospital
put back
[phrasal verb]
put (something) back or put back (something)
to return (something) to the place where it belongs
Brit :to change (a planned event) to start at a later date or time
put before
[phrasal verb]
put (something) before (someone or something) :to ask (a person or group) to make a decision about (something)
put behind
[phrasal verb]
put (something) behind you :to stop worrying about or being upset by (something that happened in the past)
put by
[phrasal verb]
put (something) by or put by (something) chiefly Brit :to save (money) for a later time
put down
[phrasal verb]
put (someone or something) down also put down (someone or something)
to place (someone or something that you have been holding or carrying) on a table, on the floor, etc.
to add (someone or something) to a list
c informal :to say critical or insulting things about (someone or something)
put (something) down or put down (something)
to write (something) :to record (something) in writing
to give (an amount of money) as a first payment when you are buying something that costs a lot of money
to put (something) in place on the floor or ground
to stop (a violent or dangerous activity) by using force
to kill (an animal) in a way that causes it little pain usually because it is injured or sick
f Brit :to end a telephone connection
g Brit :to formally suggest (something) as an idea to be discussed and voted on by a group of people :to propose or introduce (something)
put down or put (something) down or put down (something) chiefly Brit :to land or to cause (an airplane) to land
put (someone) down or put down (someone) :to place (a baby or child) in a bed to sleep
put (someone) down as (something) :to think of (someone) as (a specified kind of person or thing)
put (someone) down for (something) :to write the name of (someone) on a list of people who will do or give (something)
put (something) down to (something) :to say or think that (something) happened because of (something)
put forth
[phrasal verb]
put forth (something) or put (something) forth somewhat formal
to suggest (an idea, plan, etc.) for people to think about or consider
to use (something, such as energy) for a particular purpose
of a plant :to produce or send out (something) by growing
put forward
[phrasal verb]
put (something) forward or put forward (something) somewhat formal :to suggest (something) for consideration :propose
put in
[phrasal verb]
put (something) in or put in (something)
to make (something) ready to be used in a certain place :install
to add (a comment) to a conversation or argument
to make an official statement, offer, or request
to perform (a particular action)
I won't be able to stay at the party long, but I'll at least try to put in an appearance. [=to go to the party for a short time]
to work or do something for (an amount of time)
put in (something) or put (something) in (something) :to use (a certain amount of energy or effort) when doing something
put (something) in (something)
to invest (money) into (something)
b - used to say what causes you to have faith, confidence, etc.
put in for (something) :to ask for (something) in an official way :to formally request (something)
of a boat or ship :to enter a harbor or port
put into
[phrasal verb]
put (something) into (something)
to use (a certain amount of energy or effort) when doing (something)
She put her heart into (writing) the letter. [=she expressed her feelings in a very open and honest way]
to invest (time, money, etc.) in (something)
put it there
or put her there
informal + old-fashioned - used to invite someone to shake hands with you
put off
[phrasal verb]
put (something) off or put off (something) :to decide that (something) will happen at a later time :postpone
put (someone) off or put off (someone)
to cause (someone) to wait
to cause (someone) to dislike someone or something
c Brit :to allow (someone) to get off a bus or other vehicle
put on
[phrasal verb]
put (something) on or put on (something)
to dress yourself in (clothing)
to apply (something) to your face or body
to add to or increase the amount of (something)
to cause (a machine, a light, etc.) to begin to work
to cause (something) to begin to be heard, seen, produced, etc.
to start cooking or making (something)
to produce (something that entertains people, such as a play, a party, etc.)
put (something) on (someone or something)
to say that (someone or something) is responsible for or guilty of (something)
to bet (an amount of money) on (someone or something)
put (someone or something) on (something) :to add (someone or something) to (a list or group of related things)
put (someone) on or put on (someone) chiefly US informal :to say things that are not true to (someone) in a joking way :to trick or fool (someone) for amusement
He said he knew the President, but I think he was just putting me on. [=(Brit) having me on] - see also 2put-on
used to say that you would like to speak to someone on the phone
put (someone) on (something) :to tell (someone) to use or do (something)
put (someone) on to (something) :to give (someone) information about (something) :to tell (someone) about (something that he or she did not know about before)
noun
plural puts
[count] sports :the act of throwing a shot put
adjective
see also hard put
stay put
to stay where you are :to not move or go anywhere