Main Entry: ²pre·sent

Pronunciation: \pri-ˈzent\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French presenter, from Latin praesentare, from praesent-, praesens, adjective

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 a (1) : to bring or introduce into the presence of someone especially of superior rank or status (2) : to introduce socially b : to bring (as a play) before the public
2 : to make a gift to
3 : to give or bestow formally
4 a : to lay (as a charge) before a court as an object of inquiry b : to bring a formal public charge, indictment, or presentment against
5 : to nominate to a benefice
6 a : to offer to view : show b : to bring to one's attention <this presents a problem>
7 : to act the part of : perform
8 : to aim, point, or direct (as a weapon) so as to face something or in a particular directionintransitive verb 1 : to present a weapon
2 : to become manifest
3 : to come forward as a patient
4 : to make a presentation

synonyms see give

— pre·sent·er noun