deal with

1) PHRASAL VERB When you deal with something or someone that needs attention, you give your attention to them, and often solve a problem or make a decision concerning them.

[V P n] ...the way that building societies deal with complaints...

[V P n] In dealing with suicidal youngsters, our aims should be clear...

[V P n] The President said the agreement would allow other vital problems to be dealt with.

2) PHRASAL VERB If you deal with an unpleasant emotion or an emotionally difficult situation, you recognize it, and remain calm and in control of yourself in spite of it.

[V P n] She saw a psychiatrist who used hypnotism to help her deal with her fear...

[V P n] He was able to deal with his captivity by maintaining a high degree of anger about the unfairness of his capture.

Syn:

cope with

3) PHRASAL VERB If a book, speech, or film deals with a particular thing, it has that thing as its subject or is concerned with it.

[V P n] ...the parts of his book which deal with contemporary Paris.

4) PHRASAL VERB If you deal with a particular person or organization, you have business relations with them.

[V P n] When I worked in Florida I dealt with British people all the time...

[V P n] He's a hard man to deal with.