Con-tend',1, v. i.
v. i. [imp. & p. p. CONTENDED; p. pr. & vb. n. CONTENDING.] [Lat. contendere, from con and tendere, to stretch, allied with Gr. τείνειν, to stretch; O. Fr. & Pr. contendre, Sp. & Pg. contender, It. contendere.]
Sense 1. To strive in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel.
For never two such kingdoms did contend Without much fall of blood. Shak.
You sit above, and see vain men below Contend for what you only can bestow. Dryden.
Sense 2. To strive in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue. “The question which our author would contend for.” Locke.
Synonyms—To struggle; vie; strive; oppose; emulate; contest; litigate; dispute; debate.