use

Less common meanings

5. 5
   SayYOOSUS/jus/UK/juːs/

   noununcountable

   How helpful something is, usually with 'of'.

   What use is a phone charger if you forget to bring it?

   It's no use crying about it now.

   UsageSay it's no use + -ing: it's no use crying.

   Similarusefulness, benefit, utility, point, good

   Note
6. 6
   noununcountable

   Being able or allowed to use something, especially a body part, one of your senses, or someone else's things.

   After the accident, he lost the use of his left hand.

   My aunt gave us the use of her car while she was away.

   UsageSay have the use of something.

   Similaraccess

7. 7
   could do withverbtransitive

   With 'could', to want or need something.

   I could use a drink after that meeting.

   The car could use a wash.

   UsageThis is a gentle way to say you need something: I could use a rest.

8. 8
   SayYOOSUS/jus/UK/juːs/

   accustomverbtransitive

   To make someone accustomed to something, now mostly in 'used to'.

   Soldiers who are used to hardship sleep anywhere.

   After a year on the farm, he was used to getting up early.

   UsageSay I'm used to it or I'm used to working late.

   Similaraccustom, habituate, inure

   Note
9. 9
   exploitverbtransitive

   To take advantage of a person for your own benefit.

   He only used her for her car and her money.

   Don't use your friends to get ahead.

   Similarexploit, manipulate

10. 10
    verbtransitivewith up

    To finish or spend something, often with 'up'.

    She used all the time she was given.

    Don't use up all the hot water.

    UsageSay use up when nothing is left.

    Similarconsume, spend, expend, exhaust, deplete

    Oppositesave, conserve

11. 11
    take drugsverbtransitive

    To take drugs or alcohol, especially often or because you are addicted.

    He uses cocaine, his sister told the doctor.

    People who use heroin need clean needles.

    Similartake, consume, do

12. 12
    SayYOOSUS/jus/UK/juːs/

    drug takingnoununcountable

    The taking of alcohol or drugs.

    Heavy alcohol use damages the liver.

    Drug use among students is falling.

    UsageSay drug use or alcohol use.

    Similarconsumption

13. 13
    SayYOOSUS/jus/UK/juːs/

    nounarchaiccountable or uncountable

    Something done often, as a habit or custom.

    Let later age that noble vse enuie,

    1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie QueeneHere, vse (use) means a custom or habit.

    How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable, / Seem to me all the uses of this world!

    c. 1599, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”Here, uses means customs and habits, the usual ways of the world.

    Note
14. 14
    behave towardverbdatedtransitive

    To treat someone or something in a certain way.

    The old horse had been badly used by its first owner.

    Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

    1611, The Holy Bible, King James VersionHere, use means to treat, so those who treat you cruelly.

    Similartreat

    Note
15. 15
    SayYOOSUS/jus/UK/juːs/

    nounobsoletecountable or uncountable

    What usually happens in ordinary life.

    O Caesar! these things are beyond all use.

    1599, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Iulius Cæsar”Here, use means ordinary experience, so these things are beyond anything normal.

    Note
16. 16
    verbobsoletereflexive

    To behave in a certain way, with 'myself', 'themselves' and so on.

    Note
17. 17
    SayYOOSUS/jus/UK/juːs/

    nounobsoletecountable or uncountable

    Money paid for borrowing money.

    Thou art more obliged to pay duty and tribute, use and principal, to him.

    1651, Jer[emy] Taylor, The Rule and Exercises of Holy Living.Here, use means interest paid on money borrowed.

    Note
18. 18
    noun

    In the church, a local form of a service or rite.
19. 19
    noun

    In metalwork, an iron slab welded to the side of a piece and hammered to make it longer.