I. ri-ˈspänd noun
Etymology: Middle English respounde, literally, reply, from Anglo-French respuns, respunt response
Date: 15th century
: an engaged pillar supporting an arch or closing a colonnade or arcade
II. verb
Etymology: alteration of Middle English respounden, from Anglo-French respundre, from Latin respondēre to promise in return, answer, from re- + spondēre to promise — more at spouse
Date: 1572
intransitive verb
1. : to say something in return : make an answer
respond to criticism
2.
a. : to react in response
respond ed to a call for help
b. : to show favorable reaction
respond to surgery
3. : to be answerable
respond in damages
transitive verb
: reply
• re·spond·er -ˈspän-dər noun