friend

¹friend

noun \ˈfrend\

Definition of FRIEND

1

a : one attached to another by affection or esteem b : acquaintance

2

a : one that is not hostile b : one that is of the same nation, party, or group

3

: one that favors or promotes something (as a charity)

4

: a favored companion

5

capitalized : a member of a Christian sect that stresses Inner Light, rejects sacraments and an ordained ministry, and opposes war —called also Quaker

— friend·less \ˈfren(d)-ləs\ adjective

— friend·less·ness noun

— be friends with

: to have a friendship or friendly relationship with

Examples of FRIEND

1. I'd like you to meet my friend.
2. He's no friend of mine.
3. … she … got a job, made friends and managed to write a novel that hit the best-seller lists and stayed there … —Garrison Keillor, New York Times Book Review, 11 June 2006
4. Over the last couple of years I have experienced moments of disbelief when I meet my friends in public. They look older than I think they should. —Alice Munro, In the Stacks, 2002
5. Never had a friend like that before or since. Never laughed so hard in my life as I did with Manny. —Philip Roth, American Pastoral, 1997

Origin of FRIEND

Middle English frend, from Old English frēond; akin to Old High German friunt friend, Old English frēon to love, frēo free

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to FRIEND

Synonyms: alter ego, amigo, buddy, chum, compadre, comrade, confidant, confidante, crony, familiar, intimate, mate [chiefly British], musketeer, pal

Antonyms: enemy, foe

Related Words: acquaintance; associate, cohort, colleague, companion, fellow, hearty, hobnobber, partner, peer, sport; blood brother, brother, main man, sister; abettor (also abetter), accomplice, ally, collaborator, confederate; pen pal; benefactor, supporter, sympathizer, well-wisher; friendly

Near Antonyms: adversary, antagonist, competitor, opponent, rival; archenemy, nemesis

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with FRIEND

bend, blend, blende, end, fend, lend, mend, rend, scend, send, shend, spend, tend, trend, vend, wend, Wend