lend

lend · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To grant temporary use of something on the condition that it or its equivalent will be returned.

  2. 2.

    To provide money temporarily on condition of repayment, often with interest.

  3. 3.

    To contribute or add a quality to something.

  4. 4.

    To give oneself to; to adapt or accommodate.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    lend a hand — to help someone
  • •
    lend an ear — to listen attentively
  • •
    lend itself to — to be suitable for a particular purpose
  • •
    lend support — to provide assistance or backing
  • •
    lend credence to — to make something seem more believable
  • •
    lend weight to — to add importance or strength to an argument

Related words

Antonyms: borrow, take
See also: borrow, lending, lent, loan
Synonyms: advance, loan, provide

Etymology

From Old English laenan ("to lend"), from laen ("loan"). Related to Dutch lenen and German leihen. The irregular past tense "lent" developed through phonetic changes in Middle English.