dole out vs apply

dole out and apply both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
dole out	No	No	Yes	No
apply	No	No	Yes	No

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

Other hyponyms of dole out include allot, assign, portion, reallot, deal, give, roll out.

dole out (verb)	apply (verb)
administer or bestow, as in small portions	ask (for something)
	refer (a word or name) to a person or thing
	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