lend

lend

verb \ˈlend\

lent \ˈlent\ lend·ing

Definition of LEND

transitive verb

1

a (1) : to give for temporary use on condition that the same or its equivalent be returned <lend me your pen> (2) : to put at another's temporary disposal <lent us their services>

b : to let out (money) for temporary use on condition of repayment with interest

2

a : to give the assistance or support of : afford, furnish <a dispassionate and scholarly manner which lends great force to his criticisms — Times Literary Supplement>

b : to adapt or apply (oneself) readily : accommodate <a topic that lends itself admirably to class discussion>

intransitive verb

: to make a loan

See Usage Discussion at loan

— lend·able \ˈlen-də-bəl\ adjective

— lend·er noun

Examples of LEND

1. I lent our ladder to the neighbors.
2. The bank wouldn't lend us the money.
3. Many banks won't lend to people with bad credit.
4. They are glad to lend their support to worthy causes.

Origin of LEND

Middle English lenen, lenden, from Old English lǣnan, from lǣn loan — more at loan

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to LEND

Synonyms

advance, loan

Antonyms

borrow

Related Words

furnish, give, grant; lease, let [chiefly British], rent

Near Antonyms

receive, take

Rhymes with LEND

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