respond

American  

[ri-spond] / rɪˈspɒnd /

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 British  

/ 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
• respondence noun
• responder noun
• unresponding adjective

Etymology

Origin of respond

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

Explanation

Invited to a great party? You might respond by shouting "Hooray!" and then letting your friend know you'll be there. To respond is to react or reply. Fireman, police, and EMTs are known as first responders. This is because they are the first people to respond to an emergency. If you get into an accident, an EMT might check your reflexes to see how they respond.

Example Sentences

The travel industry will respond, offering more slower-paced tours focusing on education and culture to keep older adults on the road.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

"Our findings reveal intriguing differences in the way men and women respond to obesity," said lead author Dr. Zeynep Pekel, from Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

Beijing did not immediately respond to the proposal.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

Hywel Dda health board declined to comment on the specific case but said staff were highly trained to respond quickly to "a wide range of situations".

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Before I had time to respond to that or think about anything else, my own switchboard flared up.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

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