friend
/frɛnd
/noun
1A person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically one exclusive of sexual or family relations: she’s a friend of mine we were close friends...
- This recipe comes from a close friend of mine with whom I worked when I was living in London.
- Make an effort to cultivate effective relationships with family, friends and colleagues
- He will be remembered with much affection by his family and close friends.
Synonyms
companion, boon companion, bosom friend, best friend, close friend, intimate, confidante, confidant, familiar, soul mate, alter ego, second self, shadow, playmate, playfellow, classmate, schoolmate, workmate, ally, comrade, associate;
sister, brother
informal pal, bosom pal, buddy, bosom buddy, chum, spar, sidekick, cully, crony, main man
British informal bezzie, mate, oppo, china, mucker, butty, bruvver, bruv
Northern English informal marrow, marrer, marra
North American informal amigo, compadre, paisan, homie, bro
North American & South African informal homeboy, homegirl
South African informal gabba
Australian/New Zealand informal offsider
archaic compeer
rare fidus Achates
1.1(Used as a polite form of address or in ironic reference) an acquaintance or a stranger one comes across: my friends, let me introduce myself...
- You are responsible, my friend, for one of the most memorable shots from that day.
- Oh, Mr. Grohl - waxing has nothing to do with unwanted body hair, my friend.
- There's more to know about fonts than you ever thought possible, my friend.
1.2 (one's friends) archaic One’s close relatives.
1.3A person who supports a cause, organization, or country by giving financial or other help: the Friends of the Welsh National Opera...
- But it might not now happen for another year, a member of Friends of East Park fears.
- The Friends of St Mary's Church was set up in 1998 to raise money to maintain the church.
- Part of the funds raised by the sale of the book will be donated to the Friends of St Peter's Church.
Synonyms
patron, backer, supporter, benefactor, benefactress, sponsor;
well-wisher, defender, champion
informal angel
rare benefactrice, benefactrix, Maecenas
1.4A person who is not an enemy or opponent; an ally: she was unsure whether he was friend or foe...
- Enemies become friends and friends become enemies during a surprising turn of events.
- There are enemies, friends, foes, and also potential friends and potential enemies.
- The causes we fight for among friends will be the causes we fight for before enemies.
1.5A familiar or helpful thing: he settled for that old friend the compensation grant...
- They covet its 8,000 objects as old friends and talk about them with familiar candour.
1.6A contact on a social networking website: all of a sudden you’ve got 50 friends online who need to stay connected...
- The only thing is Melissa came across me via this blog rather than from within Myspace itself, but I friended her anyway because she seems nice.
- You have friended someone because of their blog icon.
- I've friended you all, but haven't seen anyone looking for games recently.
2 (Friend) A member of the Religious Society of Friends; a Quaker.At the Society of Friends, he would put his arm around newcomers and encourage them into the group.
verb [with object]
1 informal Add (someone) to a list of friends or contacts on a social networking website: I am friended by 29 people who I have not friended back...
- I "friended" some of the people I used to know "in real life" on Facebook.
- With very few exceptions, if I don't know you I don't friend you.
2 archaic Befriend (someone).
2.1 [no object] (friend with) West Indian Have a sexual relationship with: the woman got married and you still used to friend with she?
Phrases
be (or make) friends with
be no friend of (or to)
a friend at court
a friend in need is a friend indeed
friend with benefits
friends in high places
my honourable friend
my learned friend
my noble friend
my Right Honourable friend
with friends like ——, who needs enemies?
Origin
Old English frēond, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch vriend and German Freund, from an Indo-European root meaning 'to love', shared by free.
In the Old English poem Beowulf, the king's great hall is described as being filled with friends. This is the first recorded use of the word, which is from an ancient root meaning ‘to love’ that is shared by free. The proverb a friend in need is a friend indeed can be traced back in English to the 11th century. More recent is your flexible friend, that faithful plastic companion on many a shopping trip. The slogan was used for the credit card Access from 1981.