respond

To do something because of what has happened or what someone has done.

• The police responded quickly.
• Her body responded well to the treatment.
• How will customers respond to the change?

How to use it: respond to someone/something (The fire service responded quickly to the emergency.); respond by doing something (The company responded by lowering its prices.)

Similar words: react

Common phrases: respond to something, respond quickly, respond well

To say or write something back when someone asks or says something to you.

• He did not respond to my question.
• She responded politely to the message.
• 'I agree,' he responded.

How to use it: respond to someone/something (Please respond to my email by Friday.); respond that… (She responded that she needed more time.)

Similar words: reply, answer

Common phrases: respond to someone, respond to something, respond politely

To meet a legal duty, such as paying what a court orders.

• The debtor was held to respond the judgment.
• The surety had to respond in damages.
• The court required him to respond for the debt.

How to use it: respond in damages (The defendant was required to respond in damages.)

Similar words: satisfy, discharge

Common phrases: respond the judgment, respond in damages