friend

Less common meanings

6. 6
   verbtransitive

   To add someone to your list of contacts on a social media site.

   Please friend me so we can share photos.

   He friended his old classmate after the reunion.

   UsageSay friend someone online; the opposite is unfriend.

   Similaradd

   Oppositeunfriend, defriend

   Note
7. 7
   lovernouneuphemisticcountable

   A polite, indirect way to talk about a boyfriend, girlfriend, or lover.

   She spent the evening dancing with her friend, the man she had been seeing for months.

   My aunt lives with her friend, and the two of them have been a couple for ten years.

   Similarpartner, lover, companion

   Note
8. 8
   nouncountableplural

   A group of people who work or perform together, often named after their leader as 'and friends.'

   Like saying 'and the gang' for a whole team of people.

   My little brother watches a cartoon about Max the puppy and friends.

   Every Saturday, the clown and friends put on a show for the kids.

   Note
9. 9
   useful thingnouncolloquialcountable

   A thing or idea that helps you or does you good.

   Like a tool that always helps you when you need it.

   When it's hot outside, water is your friend.

   For a writer, a good dictionary is a real friend.

   Usagewater is your friend means water helps you.

   Similarally, asset

   Oppositeenemy

10. 10
    nouncolloquialironic

    A word used to address someone when warning them, often when you are not truly friendly.

    Listen, friend, you don't want to start trouble here.

    That's close enough, friend.

    UsageSeparate friend with a comma: Watch it, friend.

    Similarpal, buddy, mate

    Note
11. 11
    verbobsoletetransitive

    To act as a friend to someone, helping or supporting them.

    Note
12. 12
    nounobsoleteScotland

    A relative, or a member of your family by blood or marriage.

    He was not a drop's blood to me, though him and my wife were far-out friends.

    1895, Crockett, Bog-MyrtleHere, friends means relatives, family by blood or marriage.

    Make friends of framet folk.

    Here, friends means relatives, members of your family.

    Note
13. 13
    Quakernouncountable

    Someone who is a Quaker, part of a Christian group called the Religious Society of Friends. Spelled with a capital F.

    My grandmother was a Friend and went to the meetinghouse every Sunday.

    Many Friends sit quietly together until someone feels ready to speak.

    SimilarQuaker

    Note
14. 14
    nouncountable

    A person, group, or country that is on your side and not against you.

    In a war, you need to know who is a friend and who is an enemy.

    The small country asked its friends for help after the attack.

    Usagefriend or foe means ally or enemy.

    Similarally

    Oppositeenemy, foe, adversary

15. 15
    noun

    In computer programming, a function or class that is allowed to use the hidden parts of another class.
16. 16
    noun

    In climbing, a metal tool that wedges into a crack to hold a rope safely.