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View synonyms for

procure

[ proh-kyoor, pruh- ]

verb (used with object)

procured, procuring.
  1. to obtain or get by care, effort, or the use of special means:

    to procure evidence.

    Synonyms: ,

    Antonyms:

  2. to bring about, especially by unscrupulous and indirect means:

    to procure secret documents.

    Synonyms:

  3. to obtain (a person) for the purpose of prostitution.


verb (used without object)

procured, procuring.
  1. to act as a procurer or pimp.

    Synonyms: ,

procure

/ əˈʊə /

verb

  1. tr to obtain or acquire; secure
  2. to obtain (women or girls) to act as prostitutes
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈܰ, adjective
  • ˈܰԳ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ·ܰmԳ noun
  • -·ܰ adjective
  • -·ܰiԲ adjective
  • ܲp·ܰ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of procure1

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English procuren, from Latin ōū “to take care of”; pro- 1, cure
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Word History and Origins

Origin of procure1

C13: from Latin ōū to look after, from pro- 1+ ū to care for
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Synonym Study

See get.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

She notes how once, he attempted to procure inscriptions and images from a museum in north-east India without the approval or knowledge of his boss.

From

Customers procure a barcode from an app, then at the postbox they scan the barcode and drop the parcel into a drawer - this is all powered by solar panels on the box.

From

Their paths out of the country — aided by record companies that helped procure visas — were easier than those of most Venezuelan migrants, who have scattered around the world in search of opportunity and safety.

From

No constant monitoring, no worry and it is the coziest way I know to show off your plentitude of homegrown, or market procured, fresh produce.

From

His message was rigid and he was successful in procuring support.

From

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Related Words

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More About Procure

doesprocure mean?

To procure something is to obtain or get it, especially through special means or extra effort.

The word is especially used in the context of the formal, official process of purchasing and obtaining materials, supplies, or equipment, particularly in the context of business or government.

The noun form procurement most commonly refers to this process. Many large companies and government agencies have a procurement department that handles the ordering and acquisition of supplies. Such a department is often simply referred to as procurement, as in You’ll have to ask procurement to order those materials.

Procurement can also be used in a general way to refer to the act or process of procuring in any context.

Example: It took me a few months to track it down, but I was able to procure that rare book for her birthday.

Where doesprocure come from?

The first records of the word procure come from around 1300. It comes from the Latin ōū, meaning “to take care of” or “to look after.” This is formed from the Latin verb ū, “to care for.” The English verb curate is based on a related root.

Procure doesn’t just mean “get”—it implies extra effort. When something is said to have been procured, it’s usually something special or hard to get, as in I had to make several phone calls, but I was finally able to procure a replacement part for the refrigerator.

When companies and government agencies need to procure things, they call it procurement. Governments often have special departments and laws for procurement, usually with very strict procedures for how purchases can be made and how things can be procured. These rules are intended to ensure that the process doesn’t become corrupted by bribes, kickbacks, and favoritism.

Did you know ... ?

are some other forms related to procure?

are some synonyms for procure?

are some words that share a root or word element with procure?

are some words that often get used in discussing procure?

How isprocure used in real life?

Procure is commonly used in the context of acquiring supplies for businesses or government agencies, but it’s also often used in a general way.

Try usingprocure!

Which of the following actions may be needed to procure something?

A. track it down
B. order it
C. purchase it
D. all of the above

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procuratoryprocurement