Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
RESPOND
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English respounde, literally, reply, from Anglo-French respuns, respunt response
Date: 15th century
an engaged pillar supporting an arch or closing a colonnade or arcade,
II. verb see: spouse
Date: 1572
intransitive verb to say something in return ; make an answer ,
2. to react in response , to show favorable reaction , to be answerable , transitive verb reply , responder noun