Main Entry: ¹mend

Pronunciation: \ˈmend\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, short for amenden — more at amend

Date: 13th century

transitive verb 1 : 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 verb 1 : to improve morally : reform
2 : to become corrected or improved
3 : 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>.