lay on

lay on

verb

Definition of LAY ON

transitive verb

1

a : to apply by or as if by spreading on a surface <laying it on thick> b : provide, arrange <food laid on in abundance> c : hand out <laid on awards>

2

chiefly British : hire

intransitive verb

: attack, beat

Examples of LAY ON

1. <she lays the butter on so thickly that you hardly taste the bagel>
2. <lay on more staff for the busy tourist season in the Lake District>

First Known Use of LAY ON

1600

Related to LAY ON

Synonyms: apply, lay, spread

Antonyms: ax (or axe), can, discharge, dismiss, fire, sack

Related Words: anoint, bedaub, besmear, dab, daub, plaster, slather, smear; blanket, carpet, coat, cover, layer, mantle, overlay, overlie, overspread, sheet, surface

Near Antonyms: bare, expose, peel, strip, uncover

see all synonyms and antonyms

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