n.

1. the act of using;
   usage, utilization, utilisation, employment, exercise
   
   • he warned against the use of narcotic drugs
   • skilled in the utilization of computers
2. a particular service
   
   • he put his knowledge to good use
   • patrons have their uses
3. what something is used for;
   function, purpose, role
   
   • the function of an auger is to bore holes
   • ballet is beautiful but what use is it?
4. (economics) the utilization of economic goods to satisfy needs or in manufacturing;
   consumption, economic consumption, usance, use of goods and services
   
   • the consumption of energy has increased steadily
5. a pattern of behavior acquired through frequent repetition;
   habit, wont
   
   • she had a habit twirling the ends of her hair
   • long use had hardened him to it
6. (law) the exercise of the legal right to enjoy the benefits of owning property;
   enjoyment
   
   • we were given the use of his boat
7. exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage;
   manipulation
   
   • his manipulation of his friends was scandalous

v.

1. put into service; make work or employ           (something) for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose;
   utilize, utilise, apply, employ
   
   • use your head!
   • we only use Spanish at home
   • I can't use this tool
   • Apply a magnetic field here
   • This thinking was applied to many projects
   • How do you utilize this tool?
   • I apply this rule to get good results
   • use the plastic bags to store the food
   • He doesn't know how to use a computer
2. take or consume (regularly or habitually);
   habituate
   
   • She uses drugs rarely
3. seek or achieve an end by using to one's advantage
   
   • She uses her influential friends to get jobs
   • The president's wife used her good connections
4. use up, consume fully;
   expend
   
   • The legislature expended its time on school questions
5. avail oneself to;
   practice, apply
   
   • apply a principle
   • practice a religion
   • use care when going down the stairs
   • use your common sense
   • practice non-violent resistance
6. habitually do something (use only in the past tense)
   
   • She used to call her mother every week but now she calls only occasionally
   • I used to get sick when I ate in that dining hall
   • They used to vacation in the Bahamas