respond

American  

[ri-spond] / rɪˈspɒnd /

verb (used without object)

1. to reply or answer in words.

   to respond briefly to a question.

   Synonyms:

   rejoin

2. to make a return by some action as if in answer.

   to respond generously to a charity drive.

   Synonyms:

   reply, react, rise

3. to react favorably.

4. Physiology. to exhibit some action or effect as if in answer; react.

   Nerves respond to a stimulus.

5. to correspond (usually followed byto ).

6. Bridge. to make a response.

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verb (used with object)

1. to say in answer; reply.

noun

1. Architecture. a half pier, pilaster, or the like projecting from a wall as a support for a lintel or an arch, the other side of which is supported on a free-standing pier or column.

2. Ecclesiastical.

   1. a short anthem chanted at intervals during the reading of a lection.

   2. responsory.

   3. response.

respond British  

/ rɪˈspɒnd /

verb

1. to state or utter (something) in reply

2. (intr) to act in reply; react

   to respond by issuing an invitation

3. to react favourably

   this patient will respond to treatment

4. an archaic word for correspond

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noun

1. architect a pilaster or an engaged column that supports an arch or a lintel

2. Christianity a choral anthem chanted in response to a lesson read at a church service

Other Word Forms

• overrespond verb
• respondence noun
• responder noun
• unresponding adjective

Etymology

Origin of respond

First recorded in 1350–1400; (for the verb) from Latin respondēre “to promise in return, reply, answer,” from re- re- + spondēre “to pledge, promise”; (for the noun) Middle English: “responsory,” from Old French, derivative of respondre “to reply,” from Latin respondēre

Example Sentences

"There's danger that they will escalate situations or respond very aggressively in... tense situations," he said.

From BBC

The spokesperson added that the party had responded to the letter.

From BBC

It added that officers would respond to any concerns from local residents and businesses.

From BBC

First, while talking up the gravity of the moment, he has decided not to respond with emergency measures.

From BBC

Mills has not yet responded to repeated requests for comment.

From BBC

Related Words

• acknowledge
• answer
• behave
• come back
• counter
• react
• reply
• return