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

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

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

County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad responded and assessed the situation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The move enraged not only the opposition but also the Brazilian football federation, which responded by suggesting the act was a "provocation to a rival and disrespects the game", one punishable by a yellow card.

Read more on BBC

Nearly every force - 41 out of 43 across England and Wales - responded to our request for information about knife incidents in schools.

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He noted that she didn’t respond when it was time to walk off the ride.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Miller responded by saying the president has “plenary authority” before going silent midsentence — a moment that the host said may have been a technical issue.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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