I. ˈrir, vt4 & vi2 are also ˈrer verb
Etymology: Middle English reren, from Old English rǣran; akin to Old Norse reisa to raise, Old English rīsan to rise
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1. : to erect by building : construct
2. : to raise upright
3.
a.
(1) : to breed and raise (an animal) for use or market
(2) : to bring to maturity or self-sufficiency usually through nurturing care
rear ed five children
birds rear ing their young
b. : to cause (as plants) to grow
4. : to cause (a horse) to rise up on the hind legs
intransitive verb
1. : to rise high
2. of a horse : to rise up on the hind legs
Synonyms: see lift
• rear·er noun
II. ˈrir noun
Etymology: Middle English rere, short for rerewarde rearward
Date: 14th century
1. : the back part of something: as
a. : the unit (as of an army) or area farthest from the enemy
b. : the part of something located opposite its front
the rear of a house
c. : buttocks
2. : the space or position at the back
moved to the rear
III. ˈrir adjective
Etymology: Middle English rere-, from Anglo-French rere backward, behind, from Latin retro- — more at retro
Date: 14th century
: being at the back
the rear entrance
IV. ˈrir adverb
Date: 1855
: toward or from the rear — usually used in combination
a rear -driven car