apply vs daub

apply is not a noun while daub is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
apply	No	No	Yes	No
daub	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, daub is a hyponym of apply; that is, daub is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than apply:

Other hyponyms of apply include dab, swab, swob, gum, dress, cream, cold-cream, putty, sponge on, clap on, slam on, slap on.

apply (verb)	daub (verb)
ask (for something)	cover (a surface) by smearing (a substance) over it
refer (a word or name) to a person or thing	coat with plaster
put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose	apply to a surface
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