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implement

IM-pluh-ment /ˈɪmplɪment/

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FormalAcademicBusinessPolitical

To put a decision, plan, agreement, or law into official effect.

Focuses on execution and practical realization of a theoretical plan.

The story behind the word. Originating from Latin 'implere' (to fill up or satisfy), the noun 'implement' originally meant 'that which serves to fill a need' (such as a tool). In the 19th century, the verb form took off in administrative English to signify fulfilling an intention or executing a policy.

Word relationships

execute: 'Execute' emphasizes carrying out a specific instruction or duty directly.
enforce: 'Enforce' carries a strong connotation of compulsion or legal authority.

halt: 'Halt' means to bring an active operation or implementation to a stop.
abandon: 'Abandon' means to desert or leave a plan without execution.

Commonly confused with

enact: 'Enact' specifically refers to making a bill into law, whereas 'implement' refers to executing that law in practice.

Word family

implementation (noun): The process of putting a decision or plan into effect.
implementer (noun): A person or body that executes plans.

Collocations

implement reforms
implement changes
implement decisions
implement guidelines

Example sentences

"The executive board agreed to implement the security recommendations immediately." Corporate Governance
"Local councils are required to implement the statutory guidelines by the end of the fiscal year." Public Policy

Memory hook

IN-FILL-MENT: when you IMPLEMENT a policy, you FILL IN the steps required to make it real. Fulfilling a plan until it is full.

When not to use

Avoid using for physical actions that do not execute an underlying plan or policy (e.g., 'I implemented a step forward').

Fun facts

As a noun, 'implement' can still mean a tool or utensil, such as an agricultural implement.