buy

buy · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To obtain something in exchange for payment.

  2. 2.

    A purchase; something bought.

  3. 3.

    To obtain something by sacrifice or effort.

  4. 4.

    (informal) To accept as true; to believe.

  5. 5.

    To bribe or corrupt.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    buy time — to delay something
  • •
    buy into — to believe in; to invest in
  • •
    buy off — to bribe
  • •
    buy out — to purchase someone's share
  • •
    buy the farm — (slang) to die
  • •
    money can't buy happiness — wealth doesn't guarantee contentment
  • •
    a good buy — a bargain

Related words

Antonyms: sell, vend
See also: acquire, purchase, sell, shop
Synonyms: acquire, obtain, procure, purchase

Etymology

From Old English "bycgan" meaning to buy or pay for, from Proto-Germanic "*bugjaną."