What is rend? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of rend

rendverb

xé nát

/rend//rend/

Where does the word rend come from?

The word "rend" is an Old French term that came into use during the Middle English period (1100-1500 AD). Its origin can be traced back to the Old French word "rendre," meaning "to render," which itself derived from the Latin verb "rehendere," meaning "to seize or catch again." In Old French, "rendre" could mean different things in various contexts. For example, it could refer to the act of resigning or relinquishing something, paying a debt or tribute, or presenting something for examination or judgment. In Middle English, "renden" (the past tense form of "rendre") came to be used in the sense of "tear" or "rip," likely due to the idea of something being "rendered" or "torn asunder." Today, the word "rend" is still used in the sense of "tear" or "rent" in English dialects in Ireland, Scotland, and parts of England. It is also found in various dialects of Scottish Gaelic ("rom," "romh," or "romu") and Irish ("ramh" or "romh"). In sum, the word "rend" can be traced back to its Old French origins as a verb meaning "to render," but its current usage in the English language is more limited, referring specifically to a tear or rent in something.

Vocabulary summary rend

typetransitive verb rent

meaningtear

exampleto rend from somebody's arms

exampleto rend something asunder (apart)

exampleloud shouts rend the air

meaning(figurative) to hurt, to torment

exampleto rend someone's heart

meaningpluck, split, split (thin strip)

exampleto rend one's hair

exampleto rend laths: split into thin strips

typejournalize

meaningswing out, pull out

exampleto rend from somebody's arms

exampleto rend something asunder (apart)

exampleloud shouts rend the air

meaningcrack

exampleto rend someone's heart

Example of vocabulary rendnamespace

  • After the sudden storm, branches and trees were left scattered on the ground, having been rendered (rend) lifeless by the strong winds.
  • The painting that had once been vibrant and full of life now appeared lifeless and distorted, having been rendered (rend) almost unrecognizable due to the thickness of the layers of paint.
  • The thief's quick movements left everyone frozen in their tracks, rendering (rend) them helpless and incapable of responding to his actions.
  • The old, rusty car wheels dug eerily into the muddy road, rendering (rend) them immovable and almost dormant in their current state.
  • The once-shining gemstone had been cracked and broken, rendering (rend) it useless and devoid of its former radiance.

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