respond

[ri-spond]

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.

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

/ 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

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of respond¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of respond¹

C14: from Old French respondre , from Latin rēspondēre to return like for like, from _re- + spondēre to pledge; see _spouse , _sponsor

Example Sentences

“So I expect our guys to respond to that.”

From Los Angeles Times

Everyone's skin responds differently to the product, he adds, and it's one that is almost always being stress-tested – by sweat, water, or makeup.

From BBC

But a group representing the families of hostages responded by saying anyone who "truly wants to bring back all 48 hostages" had to "immediately" return to the negotiating table.

From BBC

Israel has not responded to the plan but insists all the hostages must be released in one go.

From BBC

Venezuela is yet to respond to the claim.

From BBC

Related Words

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