First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
response
noun re·sponse \ri-ˈspän(t)s\
: something that is said or written as a reply to something
: something that is done as a reaction to something else
Full Definition of RESPONSE
1
: an act of responding
2
: something constituting a reply or a reaction: as a : a verse, phrase, or word sung or said by the people or choir after or in reply to the officiant in a liturgical service b : the activity or inhibition of previous activity of an organism or any of its parts resulting from stimulation c : the output of a transducer or detecting device resulting from a given input
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Origin of RESPONSE
Middle English & Latin; Middle English respounce, from Anglo-French respuns, respounce, from Latin responsum reply, from neuter of responsus, past participle of respondēre
Synonym Discussion of RESPONSE
answer, response, reply, rejoinder, retort mean something spoken, written, or done in return. answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need <had answers to all their questions>. response may imply a quick or spontaneous reaction to a person or thing that serves as a stimulus <a response to the call for recruits>. reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised <a point-by-point reply to the accusation>. rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection <a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument>. retort implies a reaction to an implicit or explicit charge, criticism, or attack which contains a countercharge or counterattack <she made a cutting retort to her critics>.
Other Audio Recording Terms
RESPONSE Defined for Kids
response
noun re·sponse \ri-ˈspäns\
Definition of RESPONSE for Kids
1
: an act or instance of replying : answer <There was no response to my question.>
2
: words said or sung by the people or choir in a religious service
3
: a reaction of a living being (as to a drug)
Medical Dictionary
response
noun re·sponse \ri-ˈspän(t)s\
Medical Definition of RESPONSE
: the activity or inhibition of previous activity of an organism or any of its parts resulting from stimulation <a conditioned response>
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