deliver

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈlɪvə/

verb

[with object]
  • 1bring and hand over (a letter, parcel, or goods) to the proper recipient or address: the products should be delivered on time [no object]: we’ll deliver direct to your door
  • 2provide (something promised or expected): he had been able to deliver votes in huge numbers [no object]: she’s waiting for him to deliver on his promise
  • formally hand over (someone): there was a reward if you were delivered unharmed to the nearest British post
  • (deliver someone/thing up) surrender someone or something: had he feared she would deliver him up to the police?
  • Law acknowledge that one intends to be bound by (a deed), either explicitly by declaration or implicitly by formal handover.
  • 3launch or aim (a blow, ball, or attack): he delivered a punch to the man’s belly figurative the company has delivered a body blow to this city
  • 4state in a formal manner: he will deliver a lecture on endangered species he delivered himself of a sermon
  • (of a judge or court) give (a judgement or verdict): the court was due to deliver its verdict
  • 5assist in the birth of: the village midwife delivered the baby
  • (also archaic be delivered of) give birth to: she was delivered of her second child
  • assist (a woman) in giving birth.
  • 6 (deliver someone/thing from) save, rescue, or set someone or something free from: deliver us from the nightmare of junk mail

Phrases

deliver the goods

informal provide that which is promised or expected: the command economy can’t deliver the goods

Derivatives

deliverer

noun

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French delivrer, based on Latin de- 'away' + liberare 'set free'