lay

lay · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Put something down gently or carefully.

  2. 2.

    Put down and set in position for use.

  3. 3.

    (Of a bird or reptile) produce an egg.

  4. 4.

    Set something in a particular state or position.

  5. 5.

    Past tense of "lie" (to recline).

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    lay the groundwork — Prepare for something.
  • •
    lay off — Dismiss from employment; stop doing something.
  • •
    lay down the law — Give authoritative orders.
  • •
    lay eyes on — See; look at.
  • •
    lay bare — Expose; reveal.
  • •
    lay claim to — Assert one's right to.
  • •
    lay waste to — Destroy completely.
  • •
    lay it on thick — Exaggerate; flatter excessively.

Related words

Antonyms: lift, pick up, raise
See also: laid, lain, lie, place, put
Synonyms: place, position, put, set

Etymology

From Old English lecgan ("to lay, put down"), causative of licgan ("to lie"), from Proto-Germanic lagjaną. Related to German legen and Dutch leggen.