re•ceive
Pronunciation: (ri-sēv'), [key]
— v., -ceived, -ceiv•ing.
—v.t.
- to take into one's possession (something offered or delivered): to receive many gifts.
- to have (something) bestowed, conferred, etc.: to receive an honorary degree.
- to have delivered or brought to one: to receive a letter.
- to get or be informed of: to receive instructions; to receive news.
- to be burdened with; sustain: to receive a heavy load.
- to hold, bear, or contain: The nut receives a bolt and a washer. The plaster receives the impression of the mold.
- to take into the mind; apprehend mentally: to receive an idea.
- to accept from another by hearing or listening: A priest received his confession.
- to meet with; experience: to receive attention.
- to suffer the injury of: He received a terrific blow on the forehead.
- to be at home to (visitors): They received their neighbors on Sunday.
- to greet or welcome (guests, visitors, etc.) upon arriving: They received us at the front door.
- to admit (a person) to a place: The butler received him and asked him to wait in the drawing room.
- to admit into an organization, membership, etc.: to receive someone into the group.
- to accept as authoritative, valid, true, or approved: a principle universally received.
- to react to in the manner specified: to receive a proposal with contempt; She received the job offer with joy.
—v.i.
- to receive something.
- to receive visitors or guests.
- to convert incoming electromagnetic waves into the original signal.
- to receive the Eucharist: He receives every Sunday.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.