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.

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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

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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

Example Sentences

Powell spent the weekend huddled with senior advisers over how to respond to the prospect of an active criminal investigation of the Fed.

From The Wall Street Journal

A White House spokesman didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the tariffs would be stacked on top of those already in place.

From Barron's

A spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

From Barron's

AI has created insatiable demand for power, and energy producers and distributors are racing to respond.

From Barron's

Bessent and the White House didn’t respond to requests for comment.

From Barron's

Related Words

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