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

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

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

ICE didn’t respond to my multiple questions about its commercial — where it’s airing, how much is it costing taxpayers and why they made an ad specifically tailored to law enforcement in the first place.

From Los Angeles Times

“And then officers respond with what they have to do in order to control it.”

From Los Angeles Times

The spokesperson didn’t respond to questions about where his wife lives.

From Salon

St. John Bosco had two blowout wins to start the season, so Friday’s game was a chance to see what the Braves would do when they needed to respond to adversity.

From Los Angeles Times

“So I expect our guys to respond to that.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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