apply vs ask for

apply and ask for both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
apply	No	No	Yes	No
ask for	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, ask for is a hypernym of apply; that is, ask for is a word with a broader meaning than apply:

Other hypernyms of apply include bespeak, call for, quest, request.

apply (verb)	ask for (verb)
ask (for something)	express the need or desire for
refer (a word or name) to a person or thing	increase the likelihood of
put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
coat, cover or smear a surface with
give or convey physically
avail oneself to
ensure observance of laws and rules
apply oneself to
be pertinent or relevant or applicable
be applicable to; as to an analysis