Meaning of provide

pro•vide

1. to make available; furnish: to provide employees with various benefits.
2. to supply or equip: to provide the army with new fighter planes.
3. to afford or yield.
4. to arrange for or stipulate beforehand, as by a provision or proviso.
5. to prepare or procure beforehand.

1. to take measures with due foresight (usually fol. by for or against).
2. to make arrangements for supplying means of support, money, etc. (usually fol. by for): He provided for his children in his will.
3. to supply means of support (often fol. by for): to provide for oneself.