1. To show clearly and deliberately, manifest: They were able to demonstrate their desire to help the street people by collecting food and preparing meals for them.
2. To show to be true by reasoning or adducing evidence; to prove.
3. To present by experiments, examples, or practical application; to explain and illustrate.
4. To show the use of; such as, an article to a prospective buyer.
5. To give an example of how to do something: Mrs. Shaffer described the dance step, then she chose a partner and demonstrated how it could be done.
6. To participate in a public display of opinion: The day laborers demonstrated against the new tax hikes.
7. In the military, to attack or to make a show of force to deceive an enemy.