• Deliver

    Pronunciation

    • UK IPA: /dɪˈlɪvÉ™(ɹ)/
    • Rhymes: -ɪvÉ™(ɹ)

    Alternative forms

    Origin

    Anglo-Norman and Old French delivrer, from Latin delīberō ("") with a change of consonant.

    Full definition of deliver

    Verb

    1. To set free.
      deliver a captive from the prison
    2. (process) To do with birth.
      1. To give birth.
        she delivered a baby boy yesterday
      2. To assist in the birth of.
        the doctor delivered the baby
      3. (formal, with "of") To assist (a female) in bearing, that is, in bringing forth (a child).
        the duchess was delivered of a son
        the doctor is expected to deliver her of a daughter tomorrow
        • GowerShe was delivered safe and soon.
    3. (figurative) To free from or disburden of anything.
      • Henry Peacham (1578-c.1644)Tully was long ere he could be delivered of a few verses, and those poor ones.
    4. To bring or transport something to its destination.
      deliver a package;  deliver the mail
      • 1898, Winston Churchill, The Celebrity Chapter 10, Mr. Cooke had had a sloop yacht built at Far Harbor, the completion of which had been delayed, and which was but just delivered.
    5. To hand over or surrender (someone or something) to another.
      deliver the thief to the police
      • Bible, Genesis xl. 13Thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand.
      • William Shakespeare (1564-1616)The constables have delivered her over.
      • Alexander Pope (1688-1744)The exalted mind
        All sense of woe delivers to the wind.
    6. To express in words, declare, or utter.
    7. deliver a speech
    8. To give forth in action or exercise; to discharge.
      to deliver a blow
      • Sir Philip Sidney (1554-1586)shaking his head and delivering some show of tears
      • Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832)An uninstructed bowler ... thinks to attain the jack by delivering his bowl straight forward.
    9. To discover; to show.
    10. (obsolete) To admit; to allow to pass.

    Synonyms

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