¹purchase

verb pur·chase \ˈpər-chəs\

: to buy (property, goods, etc.) : to get (something) by paying money for it

pur·chasedpur·chas·ing

Full Definition of PURCHASE

transitive verb

a archaic : gain, acquire

b : to acquire (real estate) by means other than descent

c : to obtain by paying money or its equivalent : buy

d : to obtain by labor, danger, or sacrifice

: to constitute the means for buying <our dollars purchase less each year>

intransitive verb

: to purchase something

— pur·chas·able \-chə-sə-bəl\ adjective

— pur·chas·er noun

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Origin of PURCHASE

Middle English purchacen, from Anglo-French purchacer to strive for, obtain, from por-, pur- thoroughly, to a conclusion (from Latin pro- forward, for) + chacer to pursue, chase — more at pro-

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PURCHASE

Synonyms: cop [slang], pick up, buy, take

²purchase

noun

: an act of buying something

: something that is bought

: a firm hold or grip that makes movement possible

Full Definition of PURCHASE

: an act or instance of purchasing

: something obtained especially for a price in money or its equivalent

a (1) : a mechanical hold or advantage applied to the raising or moving of heavy bodies (2) : an apparatus or device by which advantage is gained

b (1) : an advantage (as a firm hold or position) used in applying one's power <clutching the steering wheel for more purchase — Barry Crump> (2) : a means of exerting power

See purchase defined for English-language learners