v. (past and past part. heard) 1 tr. (also absol.) perceive (sound etc.) with the ear. 2 tr. listen to (heard them on the radio). 3 tr. listen judicially to and judge (a case, plaintiff, etc.). 4 intr. (foll. by about, of, or that + clause) be told or informed. 5 intr. (foll. by from) be contacted by, esp. by letter or telephone. 6 tr. be ready to obey (an order). 7 tr. grant (a prayer). have heard of be aware of; know of the existence of. hear! hear! int. expressing agreement (esp. with something said in a speech). hear a person out listen to all that a person says. hear say (or tell) (usu. foll. by of, or that + clause) be informed. will not hear of will not allow or agree to. hearable adj. hearer n.
[ OE hieran f. Gmc ]