Main Entry:

¹mend

Pronunciation:

\ˈmend\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English, short for amenden — more at amend

Date:

13th century

transitive verb1: to free from faults or defects: as a: to improve in manners or morals : reform b: to set right : correct c: to put into good shape or working order again : patch up : repair d: to improve or strengthen (as a relationship) by negotiation or conciliation —used chiefly in the phrase mend fences<spends the weekend mending political fences — E. O. Hauser> e: to restore to health : cure 2: to make amends or atonement for <least said, soonest mended>intransitive verb1: to improve morally : reform2: to become corrected or improved3: to improve in health ; also : heal

— mend·able \ˈmen-də-bəl\ adjective

— mend·er noun

synonyms mend, repair, patch, rebuild mean to put into good order something that is injured, damaged, or defective. mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured <mended the torn dress>. repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation <repaired the back steps>. patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material <patch worn jeans>. rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing <a rebuilt automobile engine>.