answer

1. (ambitransitive) To make a reply or response to.Examples: "She answers him as if she knew his mind:"; "[…] there was no voice, nor any that answered."; "“Well,” I answered, at first with uncertainty, then with inspiration, “he would do splendidly to lead your cotillon, if you think of having one.” ¶ “So you do not dance, Mr. Crocker?” ¶ I was somewhat set back by her perspicuity."ambitransitive

2. (transitive) To speak in defence against; to reply to in defence.Examples: "to answer a charge or accusation"transitive

3. (ambitransitive) To respond to a call by someone at a door or telephone, or other similar piece of equipment.Examples: "She answered the door."; "Nobody answered when I knocked on the door."ambitransitive

4. (ambitransitive) To suit a need or purpose satisfactorily.Examples: "It answers the need."; "Mr. Knightley had done all in his power for Mr. Woodhouse’s entertainment. Books of engravings, drawers of medals, cameos, corals, shells, and every other family collection within his cabinets, had been prepared for his old friend, to while away the morning; and the kindness had perfectly answered."; "Inexperienced girl as I was, I fired at the idea of becoming his dupe, and fancying, perhaps, that there was more in merely answering his note than it would have amounted to, I said — "That kind of thing may answer very well with button-makers, but ladies don't like it. […]"ambitransitive

5. (law) To file a document in response to a complaint.

6. (obsolete) To render account to or for.Examples: "[…] I will, by to-morrow dinner-time, / Send him to answer thee, or any man, / For any thing he shall be charged withal:"obsolete