n. & v.
--n.
1. something said or done to deal with or in reaction to a question, statement, or circumstance.
2 the solution to a problem.
--v.
1. tr. make an answer to (answer me; answer my question).
2 intr. (often foll. by to) make an answer.
3 tr. respond to the summons or signal of (answer the door; answer the telephone).
4 tr. be satisfactory for (a purpose or need).
5 intr. (foll. by for, to) be responsible (you will answer to me for your conduct).
6 intr. (foll. by to) correspond, esp. to a description.
7 intr. be satisfactory or successful.
Phrases and idioms:
answer back answer a rebuke etc. impudently. answering machine a tape recorder which supplies a recorded answer to a telephone call. answering service a business that receives and answers telephone calls for its clients. answer to the name of be called.
Etymology: OE andswaru, andswarian f. Gmc, swear against (charge)