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Synonyms

lend

American  
[lend] / lɛnd /

verb (used with object)

lent, lending
  1. to grant the use of (something) on condition that it or its equivalent will be returned.

  2. to give (money) on condition that it is returned and often that interest is paid for its temporary use.

  3. to give or contribute obligingly or helpfully.

    to lend one's aid to a cause.

  4. to adapt (oneself or itself ) to something.

    The building should lend itself to inexpensive remodeling.

  5. to furnish or impart.

    Distance lends enchantment to the view.


verb (used without object)

lent, lending
  1. to make a loan.

idioms

  1. lend a hand, to give help; aid.

    If everyone lends a hand, we can have dinner ready in half an hour.

lend British  
/ lɛnd /

verb

  1. (tr) to permit the use of (something) with the expectation of return of the same or an equivalent

  2. to provide (money) temporarily, often at interest

  3. (intr) to provide loans, esp as a profession

  4. (tr) to impart or contribute (something, esp some abstract quality)

    her presence lent beauty

  5. (tr) to provide, esp in order to assist or support

    he lent his skill to the company

  6. to listen

  7. to possess the right characteristics or qualities for

    the novel lends itself to serialization

  8. to give support, cooperation, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • interlend verb
  • lender noun
  • overlend verb
  • relend verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of lend

First recorded before 900; from Middle English lenden, variant (originally past tense) of lenen, Old English lǣnan (cognate with Dutch lenen, German lehnen, Old Norse lāna ), derivative of lǣn loan; cognate with German Lehnen, Old Norse lān; loan 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Dimon had raised the fact that JP Morgan was one of the biggest purchasers of UK government debt, leaving the clear suggestion in Darling's mind that America's biggest bank could effectively stop lending to Britain.

From BBC

Some of that reputation for risk is a holdover from the financial crisis, when lending standards were significantly looser than now.

From Barron's

The immediate reaction, however, indicates investors are bracing themselves for higher capital costs, be it in terms of the Fed’s key lending rate or U.S.

From Barron's

Because it was a waltz, listeners could dance to the tune, lending to its popularity.

From The Wall Street Journal

Early in the pandemic, for example, Pacific Valley continued to lend to boutique hotels that other banks had pulled away from.

From The Wall Street Journal