First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1mend
verb \ˈmend\
: to make (something broken or damaged) usable again : to repair (something broken or damaged)
: to heal or cure (a broken bone, a sad feeling, etc.)
Full Definition of MEND
transitive verb
1
: to free from faults or defects: as a : to improve in manners or morals : reform b : to set right : correct c : to put into good shape or working order again : patch up : repair d : to improve or strengthen (as a relationship) by negotiation or conciliation —used chiefly in the phrase mend fences <spends the weekend mending political fences — E. O. Hauser> e : to restore to health : cure
2
: to make amends or atonement for <least said, soonest mended>
intransitive verb
1
: to improve morally : reform
2
: to become corrected or improved
See mend defined for English-language learners
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Origin of MEND
Middle English, short for amenden — more at amend
Synonym Discussion of MEND
mend, repair, patch, rebuild mean to put into good order something that is injured, damaged, or defective. mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured <mended the torn dress>. repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation <repaired the back steps>. patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material <patch worn jeans>. rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing <a rebuilt automobile engine>.
2mend
noun
: a place where something (such as a piece of clothing) has been repaired
Full Definition of MEND
See mend defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MEND
14th century
MENDING Defined for Kids
1mend
verb \ˈmend\
mend·edmend·ing
Definition of MEND for Kids
2
: to put into good shape or working order again <Can you mend a torn sleeve?>
Synonym Discussion of MEND
mend, patch, repair mean to take something that has been damaged and make it usable again. mend is used for making something that has been broken or damaged once again whole or fit for use. <Fishermen were mending their nets.> patch is used for mending a hole or tear by using the same or similar material. <Patch the hole with concrete.> patch may also be used for a hurried, careless job. <Just patch the roof for now.> repair is used for a skillful mending of a complicated thing. <The mechanic repaired our car.>
2mend
noun
Definition of MEND for Kids
: a place where something has been fixed so that it is usable again <You can't even see the mend in his pants.>
— on the mend
: getting better <Her broken leg is on the mend.>
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