mend

[ mend ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make (something broken, worn, torn, or otherwise damaged) whole, sound, or usable by repairing:

   to mend old clothes; to mend a broken toy.

   Synonyms: retouch, restore, fix

   Antonyms: destroy, ruin

2. to remove or correct defects or errors in.

   Synonyms: emend, amend, rectify

3. to set right; make better; improve:

   to mend matters.

   Synonyms: ameliorate

verb (used without object)

1. to progress toward recovery, as a sick person.

   Synonyms: amend, recover, heal

   Antonyms: sicken, die

2. (of broken bones) to grow back together; knit.
3. to improve, as conditions or affairs.

noun

1. the act of mending; repair or improvement.
2. a mended place.

mend

/ mɛnd /

verb

1. tr to repair (something broken or unserviceable)
2. to improve or undergo improvement; reform (often in the phrase mend one's ways )
3. intr to heal or recover
4. intr (of conditions) to improve; become better
5. tr to feed or stir (a fire)

noun

1. the act of repairing
2. a mended area, esp on a garment
3. on the mend
   on the mend becoming better, esp in health

Derived Forms

• ˈmender, noun
• ˈmendable, adjective

Other Words From

• menda·ble adjective
• re·mend verb
• un·menda·ble adjective
• un·mended adjective
• well-mended adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mend¹

1150–1200; Middle English menden, aphetic variant of amend none

Word History and Origins

Origin of mend¹

C12: shortened from amend

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. mend sail, Nautical. to refurl sails that have been badly furled. Also mend the furl.
2. on the mend,
   1. recovering from an illness.
   2. improving in general, as a state of affairs:

      The breach between father and son is on the mend.

More idioms and phrases containing mend

• on the mend

Synonym Study

Mend, darn, patch mean to repair something and thus renew its usefulness. Mend is a general expression that emphasizes the idea of making whole something damaged: to mend a broken dish, a tear in an apron. Darn and patch are more specific, referring particularly to repairing holes or tears. To darn is to repair by means of stitches interwoven with one another: to darn stockings. To patch is to cover a hole or tear, usually with a piece or pieces of similar material and to secure the edges of these; it implies a more temporary or makeshift repair than the others: to patch the knees of trousers, a rubber tire.

Example Sentences

In light of what has occurred elsewhere on the roster, the fact that they are on the mend could constitute good news for the Ravens, who also recently got back from injury starting wide receivers Marquise Brown and Sammy Watkins.

From Washington Post

Kids can still get the vaccine even if they’ve contracted SARS-CoV-2 if their symptoms are mild or if they’re on the mend—only children under 6 months of age or those with known allergies to vaccine ingredients should go without it.

From Popular-Science

His reappearance in a mundane setting such as the teachers’ awards speech — instead of a groveling public apology — could suggest that Ma’s relations with Beijing are on the mend.

From Washington Post

When Julie’s boyfriend came home with a brand new iPhone for her at the end of the summer in 2019, Julie saw it as a peace offering—a sign that their relationship was on the mend.

From Time

That in particular is a sign, say some analysts, that the underlying economic conditions are on the mend, given the index increased sensitivity to changes in GDP and the economic cycle.

From Fortune

There, he first picked up needle and thread to mend the shirt of an SS guard who had just beaten him.

From The Daily Beast

The other is still on the mend, but was doing well the last Patterson heard.

From The Daily Beast

Local mechanics pitched in to help mend the craft, but weeks into setting off the repairs wore thin and the vessel sprung a leak.

From The Daily Beast

As is often the case when the letter and the spirit of the law begin to fray, legal creativity gets called upon to mend them.

From The Daily Beast

The Americans seem to be on the mend in Atlanta, but the priest died on Tuesday.

From The Daily Beast

Is a Tailor, that can make a new Coat well, the worse Workman, because he can mend an old one?

From Project Gutenberg

Now, go and mend that deplorable frock, and if you don't dream over it, you won't waste too much of your holiday.

From Project Gutenberg

He was much disconcerted, and did not materially mend the matter by saying it was the first name that came into his head.

From Project Gutenberg

“But being disgusted with our luxury and giving it all up would not mend matters, little wife,” returned Jack with a faint smile.

From Project Gutenberg

We know well enough the weak parts of human nature: if they are treated tenderly, they may mend.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ameliorate
• cure
• heal
• rebuild
• reconstruct
• rectify
• redress
• rejuvenate
• renew
• repair
• restore
• revamp
• sew