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v. con·tend·ed, con·tend·ing, con·tends v.intr. 1. To strive in opposition or against difficulties; struggle: armies contending for control of territory; had to contend with long lines at the airport. 2. To strive in competition, as in a race; vie: two runners contending for the lead. 3. To strive in controversy or debate; dispute. v.tr. To assert or maintain: The defense contended that the evidence was inadmissible. [Middle English contenden, from Latin contendere : com-, com- + tendere, to stretch, strive; see ten- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] con·tender n. |
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