'Contend' definitions:

Definition of 'contend'

From: WordNet
verb
Maintain or assert; "He contended that Communism had no future" [syn: contend, postulate]
verb
Have an argument about something [syn: argue, contend, debate, fence]
verb
To make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation; "They contested the outcome of the race" [syn: contest, contend, repugn]
verb
Come to terms with; "We got by on just a gallon of gas"; "They made do on half a loaf of bread every day" [syn: cope, get by, make out, make do, contend, grapple, deal, manage]
verb
Compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others [syn: compete, vie, contend]
verb
Be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight; "the tribesmen fought each other"; "Siblings are always fighting"; "Militant groups are contending for control of the country" [syn: contend, fight, struggle]

Definition of 'Contend'

From: GCIDE
  • Contend \Con*tend"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Contended; p. pr. & vb. n. Contending.] [OF. contendre, L. contendere, -tentum; con- + tendere to strech. See Tend.]
  • 1. To strive in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight. [1913 Webster]
  • For never two such kingdoms did contend Without much fall of blood. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • The Lord said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle. --Deut. ii. 9. [1913 Webster]
  • In ambitious strength I did Contend against thy valor. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To struggle or exert one's self to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend. [1913 Webster]
  • You sit above, and see vain men below Contend for what you only can bestow. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To strive in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue. [1913 Webster]
  • The question which our author would contend for. --Locke. [1913 Webster]
  • Many things he fiercely contended about were trivial. --Dr. H. More.
  • Syn: To struggle; fight; combat; vie; strive; oppose; emulate; contest; litigate; dispute; debate. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Contend'

From: GCIDE
  • Contend \Con*tend"\, v. t. To struggle for; to contest. [R.] [1913 Webster]
  • Carthage shall contend the world with Rome.Dryden. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'contend'

From: Moby Thesaurus