Con·tend v. i. [imp. & p. p. Contended; p. pr. & vb. n. Contending.]
 1. To strive in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight.
 For never two such kingdoms did contend
 Without much fall of blood.   --Shak.
    The Lord said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle.   --Deut. ii. 9.
 In ambitious strength I did
 Contend against thy valor.   --Shak.
 2. To struggle or exert one's self to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend.
 You sit above, and see vain men below
 Contend for what you only can bestow.   --Dryden.
 3. To strive in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue.
    The question which our author would contend for.   --Locke.
    Many things he fiercely contended about were trivial.   --Dr. H. More.
 Syn: -- To struggle; fight; combat; vie; strive; oppose; emulate; contest; litigate; dispute; debate.