Main Entry: lend

Pronunciation: \ˈlend\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): lent \ˈlent\; lend·ing

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

Date: before 12th century

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

usage see loan

— lend·able \ˈlen-də-bəl\ adjective

— lend·er noun