2026

Contend

//kənˈtɛnd//

Definitions

1
To be in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight.
The Lord said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle.
Similar
fight combat vie
2
To struggle or exert oneself to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend.
17th century, John Dryden, Epistle III to the Lady Castlemain You sit above, and see vain men below / Contend for what you only can bestow.
Similar
struggle strive emulate
3
To be in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue.
these simple ideas are far from those innate principles which some contend for
Similar
contest litigate dispute

Word Origin

From Middle English contenden, borrowed from Old French contendre, from Latin contendere (“to stretch out, extend, strive after, contend”), from com- (“together”) + tendere (“to stretch”); see tend, a...

Explore more words in the dictionaryWord of the Day

Translations

Select a language to see translations