use

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verb
[VN] ~ sth (for sth / for doing sth)
~ sth (as sth) to do sth with a machine, a method, an object, etc. for a particular purpose: Can I use your phone? ◆ Have you ever used this software before? ◆ How often do you use (= travel by) the bus? ◆ They were able to achieve a settlement without using military force. ◆ We used a carrot for the snowman's nose. ◆ Police used tear gas to disperse the crowds. ◆ The blue files are used for storing old invoices. ◆ The building is currently being used as a warehouse. ◆ The applicator makes the glue easy to use. ◆ The oven looked as if it had never been used. ◆ You can't keep using your bad back as an excuse. ◆ I have some information you may be able to use (= to get an advantage from).

[VN] to take a particular amount of a liquid, substance, etc. in order to achieve or make sth: This type of heater uses a lot of electricity. ◆ I hope you haven't used all the milk.

[VN] (disapproving) to be kind, friendly, etc. to sb with the intention of getting an advantage for yourself from them: Can't you see he's just using you for his own ends? ◆ I felt used.

to take illegal drugs: [VN] Most of the inmates have used drugs at some point in their lives. ◆ [V] (slang) She's been using since she was 13.
Idioms: I, you, etc. could use sth (spoken) used to say that you would like to have sth very much: I think we could all use a drink after that!
use your head (BrE also use your loaf) (informal) used to tell sb to think about sth, especially when they have asked for your opinion or said sth stupid: 'Why don't you want to see him again?' 'Oh, use your head!'
ORIGIN From rhyming slang, in which loaf of bread stands for 'head'.
Phrasal Verbs: use sth<->up to use all of sth so that there is none left: Making soup is a good way of using up leftover vegetables.

noun
[U, sing.] the act of using sth; the state of being used: A ban was imposed on the use of chemical weapons. ◆ The software is designed for use in schools. ◆ I'm not sure that this is the most valuable use of my time. ◆ The chapel was built in the 12th century and is still in use today. ◆ The bar is for the use of members only.

[C, U] a purpose for which sth is used; a way in which sth is or can be used: I'm sure you'll think of a use for it. ◆ This chemical has a wide range of industrial uses.

[U] ~ (of sth) the right or opportunity to use sth, for example sth that belongs to sb else: I have the use of the car this week.

[U] the ability to use your mind or body: He lost the use of his legs (= became unable to walk) in an accident.
Idioms: be no use (to sb) (also formal be of no use) to be useless: You can throw those away-they're no use to anyone.
be of use (to sb) (formal) to be useful: Can I be of any use (= can I help)?
come into / go out of use to start/stop being used: These pesticides are gradually being phased out of use. ◆ When did this word come into common use?
have its / their / your uses (informal, often humorous) to be useful sometimes: I know you don't like him, but he has his uses.
have no use for sb to dislike sb: I've no use for people who don't make an effort.
have no use for sth to not need sth: Living underground and having little use for eyes, moles are virtually blind.
it's no use (doing sth)
What's the use (of doing sth)? used to say that there is no point in doing sth because it will not be successful or have a good result: What's the use of worrying about it? ◆ It's no use-I can't persuade her.
make use of sth/sb to use sth/sb, especially in order to get an advantage: We could make better use of our resources. ◆ You should make use of your contacts.
put sth to good use to be able to use sth for a purpose, and get an advantage from doing so: She'll be able to put her languages to good use in her new job.

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