contend
/kənˈtɛnd/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: contends · contending · contended
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To be in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight.
Verb
Examples
The Lord said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To struggle or exert oneself to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend.
Verb
Examples
17th century, John Dryden, Epistle III to the Lady Castlemain
You sit above, and see vain men below / Contend for what you only can bestow.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “contend” mean?
To be in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight.
Is “contend” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.