First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1respond
noun re·spond \ri-ˈspänd\
Definition of RESPOND
: an engaged pillar supporting an arch or closing a colonnade or arcade
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Origin of RESPOND
Middle English respounde, literally, reply, from Anglo-French respuns, respunt response
2respond
verb
: to say or write something as an answer to a question or request
: to do something as a reaction to something that has happened or been done : to have a particular reaction to something
: to have a good or desired reaction to something
Full Definition of RESPOND
intransitive verb
1
: to say something in return : make an answer <respond to criticism>
2
a : to react in response <responded to a call for help> b : to show favorable reaction <respond to surgery>
3
: to be answerable <respond in damages>
transitive verb
: reply
— re·spond·er \-ˈspän-dər\ noun
See respond defined for English-language learners
See respond defined for kids
Origin of RESPOND
alteration of Middle English respounden, from Anglo-French respundre, from Latin respondēre to promise in return, answer, from re- + spondēre to promise — more at spouse
First Known Use: 1572
RESPONDER Defined for Kids
respond
verb re·spond \ri-ˈspänd\
re·spond·edre·spond·ing
Definition of RESPOND for Kids
1
: to say something in return <I called to her, but she didn't respond.>
2
: to react in a way that shows some action was successful <Did the patient respond to surgery?>
Medical Dictionary
respond
intransitive verb re·spond \ri-ˈspänd\
Medical Definition of RESPOND
1
: to react in response
2
: to show favorable reaction <respond to surgery>
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