I. ˈmend verb
Etymology: Middle English, short for amenden — more at amend
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1. : to free from faults or defects: as
a. : to improve in manners or morals : reform
b. : to set right : correct
c. : to put into good shape or working order again : patch up : repair
d. : to improve or strengthen (as a relationship) by negotiation or conciliation — used chiefly in the phrase mend fences
spends the weekend mend ing political fences — E. O. Hauser
e. : to restore to health : cure
2. : to make amends or atonement for
least said, soonest mend ed
intransitive verb
1. : to improve morally : reform
2. : to become corrected or improved
3. : to improve in health ; also : heal
• mend·able ˈmen-də-bəl adjective
• mend·er noun
Synonyms:
mend , repair , patch , rebuild mean to put into good order something that has been injured, damaged, or defective. mend implies making whole or sound something broken, torn, or injured
mended the torn dress
repair applies to the fixing of more extensive damage or dilapidation
repaired the back steps
patch implies an often temporary fixing of a hole or break with new material
patch worn jeans
rebuild suggests making like new without completely replacing
a rebuilt automobile engine
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1. : an act of mending : repair
2. : a mended place
•
- on the mend