Etimology
From Middle English respounden, from Old French respondre, from Late Latin respondō, from Latin respondeō. Cf. Modern French répondre.
verb
respond (third-person singular simple present responds, present participle responding, simple past and past participle responded)
(transitive, intransitive) To say something in return; to answer; to reply.
(intransitive) To act in return; to carry out an action or in return to a force or stimulus; to do something in response.
(transitive, intransitive) To correspond with; to suit.
(transitive) To satisfy; to answer.
(intransitive) To be liable for payment.
Examples
to respond to a question or an argument
As in much of biology, the most satisfying truths in ecology derive from manipulative experimentation. Tinker with nature and quantify how it responds.
For his great deeds respond his speeches great.
The prisoner was held to respond the judgment of the court.
noun
respond (plural responds)
A response.
A versicle or short anthem chanted at intervals during the reading of a lection.
(architecture) A half-pillar, pilaster, or any corresponding device engaged in a wall to receive the impost of an arch.