What is the meaning of the word "apply"?

Definitions:

to apply oneself to verb
- They were told to apply themselves to their homework.
to ask for something verb
- I applied for more resources.
to avail oneself to verb
- I applied myself to the work.
to be applicable to verb
- Those tax requirements do not apply to churches.
to be pertinent or relevant or applicable verb
- The same laws apply to you!
to put into service verb
- I applied my knowledge to the situation.
to put on a surface verb
- I applied the cream to my face.
to refer to a person or thing with a specific word verb
- You shouldn't apply that label to me... it's offensive!