definition of
contend

[1] #1 contend v. [postulate] maintain or assert; "He contended that Communism had no future". wn

[2] #2 contend v. [argue, debate, fence] have an argument about something. wn

[3] #3 contend v. [contest, repugn] to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation; "They contested the outcome of the race". wn

[4] #4 contend v. [cope, get by, make out, make do, grapple, deal, manage] come to terms with; "We got by on just a gallon of gas"; "They made do on half a loaf of bread every day". wn

[5] #5 contend v. [compete, vie] compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others. wn