Contend

Origin

From Old French contendre, from Latin contendere ("to stretch out, extend, strive after, contend"), from com- ("together") + tendere ("to stretch"); see tend, and compare attend, extend, intend, subtend.

Full definition of contend

Verb

1. to strive in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight.
• Bible, Deuteronomy ii. 9The Lord said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle.
• ShakespeareFor never two such kingdoms did contend without much fall of blood.
2. to struggle or exert one's self to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend.
• DrydenYou sit above, and see vain men below
  Contend for what you only can bestow.
3. to strive in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue.
• John LockeThe question which our author would contend for.
• Dr H. MoreMany things he fiercely contended about were trivial.

Synonyms

• struggle, fight, combat, vie, strive, oppose, emulate, contest, litigate, dispute, debate

Related terms

• contender
• contention
• contentious