Definition of "tend" in English

verb

1. (law, Old English law) To make a tender of; to offer or tender.

2. (followed by a to-infinitive) To be likely, or probable to do something, or to have a certain habit or leaning.

   • They tend to go out on Saturdays.
   • It tends to snow here in winter.
   • I was tending to get up later and later after the breakup.

3. (intransitive) To contribute to or toward some outcome.

verb

1. (with to) To look after (e.g. an ill person.)

   • We need to tend to the garden, which has become a mess.

2. To accompany as an assistant or protector; to care for the wants of; to look after; to watch; to guard.

   • Shepherds tend their flocks.

3. To wait (upon), as attendants or servants; to serve; to attend.

4. (obsolete) To await; to expect.

5. (obsolete) To be attentive to; to note carefully; to attend to.

6. (transitive, nautical) To manage (an anchored vessel) when the tide turns, to prevent it from entangling the cable when swinging.

verb

1. (transitive, now chiefly dialectal) To kindle; ignite; set on fire; light; inflame; burn.