de|ploy

de|ploy «dih PLOY», verb, noun.

–v.t.

1. to spread out (troops, military units, or other forces) from a column into a long battle line.

2. to distribute (forces) in convenient positions for future use: »

A fleet of ships were deployed over the area in which the astronauts were expected to land.

3. Figurative: »

... an English poet deploying all the forces of his genius (Matthew Arnold).

–v.i.

1. (of troops or other forces) to spread out into a long battle line from a column.

2. Figurative: »

The seat was even equipped with an inflatable dinghy which deploys automatically if the astronaut lands in the water (Science News Letter).

–n.

the action of deploying; deployment.

╂[< French déployer < Old French desployer < des- un- (< Latin dis-) + ployer fold < Latin plicāre. See related etym. at display. (Cf. ↑display)]