Definition of "depend" in English

verb

1. (intransitive, followed by on or upon, formerly also by of like independent does) To be contingent or conditioned; to have something as a necessary condition

   • We would like to go skiing, but it depends on the amount of snow.

2. (intransitive, usually followed by on or upon) To trust; to have confidence; to rely.

   • we should all be able to depend on the word or assurance of our friends
   • we depend on the mailman to come at the usual time.

3. (now literary, heraldry) To hang down; to be sustained by being fastened or attached to something above, especially in heraldry, where a badge, decoration, or element is suspended from another part of an achievement of arms.

4. (archaic) To be pending; to be undetermined or undecided.

   • a cause depending in court

5. (transitive) To cause to be contingent or dependent on; to set as a necessity.