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

The FDA, meanwhile, took five years to respond to a citizen petition calling for a black-box warning.

Read more on Science Daily

Poland is in contact with Ukraine to discuss how to respond to drone threats, and Danish defense companies have firsthand knowledge from the war-torn country of the rapidly changing drone technology in play there.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Pro Cast and Fenico representatives did not respond to The Times’ request for comment.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Homicide investigators responded to the 24000 block of Town Center Drive near the Valencia Town Center shopping mall around 9 p.m.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The White House and Treasury Department didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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