Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Depend?

\De*pend"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Depended}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Depending}.] [F. d['e]pendre, fr. L. depend?re; de- + pend?re to hang. See {Pendant}.] 1. To hang down; to be sustained by being fastened or attached to something above. And ever-living lamps depend in rows. --Pope. 2. To hang in suspense; to be pending; to be undetermined or undecided; as, a cause depending in court. You will not think it unnatural that those who have an object depending, which strongly engages their hopes and fears, should be somewhat inclined to superstition. --Burke. 3. To rely for support; to be conditioned or contingent; to be connected with anything, as a cause of existence, or as a necessary condition; -- followed by on or upon, formerly by of. The truth of God's word dependeth not of the truth of the congregation. --Tyndale. The conclusion . . . that our happiness depends little on political institutions, and much on the temper and regulation of our own minds. --Macaulay. Heaven forming each on other to depend. --Pope. 4. To trust; to rest with confidence; to rely; to confide; to be certain; -- with on or upon; as, we depend on the word or assurance of our friends; we depend on the mail at the usual hour. But if you 're rough, and use him like a dog, Depend upon it -- he 'll remain incog. --Addison. 5. To serve; to attend; to act as a dependent or retainer. [Obs.] --Shak. 6. To impend. [Obs.] --Shak.