contend: Meaning and Definition of

con•tend

Pronunciation: (kun-tend'), [key]
— v.i.
  1. to struggle in opposition: to contend with the enemy for control of the port.
  2. to strive in rivalry; compete; vie: to contend for first prize.
  3. to strive in debate; dispute earnestly: to contend against falsehood.
—v.t.
  1. to assert or maintain earnestly: He contended that taxes were too high.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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