First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
procure
verb pro·cure \prə-ˈkyu̇r, prō-\
: to get (something) by some action or effort
: to find or provide (a prostitute) for someone
pro·curedpro·cur·ing
Full Definition of PROCURE
transitive verb
1
a : to get possession of : obtain by particular care and effort b : to get and make available for promiscuous sexual intercourse
2
: bring about, achieve <procured the prisoner's release>
intransitive verb
: to procure women
— pro·cur·able \-ˈkyu̇r-ə-bəl\ adjective
See procure defined for English-language learners
See procure defined for kids
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Examples of PROCURE
- It was at that encounter in Pakistan that Faris was put in charge of procuring acetylene torches to slice suspension cables, as well as torque tools to bend portions of train track. —Daniel Eisenberg, Time, 30 June 2003
- He was stationed down in South Carolina about a year when he became engaged to an Irish Catholic girl whose father, a marine major and a one-time Purdue football coach, had procured him the cushy job as drill instructor in order to keep him at Parris Island to play ball. —Philip Roth, American Pastoral, 1997
- Unlike an agent, whose chief task is to procure acting roles and handle the legal negotiations of an actor's contract, a personal manager's influence is more pervasive … —Nikki Grimes, Essence, March 1995
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Origin of PROCURE
Middle English, from Anglo-French procurer, from Late Latin procurare, from Latin, to take care of, from pro- for + cura care
PROCURE Defined for Kids
procure
verb pro·cure \prə-ˈkyu̇r\
pro·curedpro·cur·ing
Definition of PROCURE for Kids
: obtain <I procured a ticket to the game.>
Learn More About PROCURE
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