n.

1. a statement (either spoken or written) that is made in reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation;
   reply, response
   
   • I waited several days for his answer
   • he wrote replies to several of his critics
2. a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem;
   solution, result, resolution, solvent
   
   • they were trying to find a peaceful solution
   • the answers were in the back of the book
   • he computed the result to four decimal places
3. the speech act of replying to a question
4. the principle pleading by the defendant in response to plaintiff's complaint; in criminal law it consists of the defendant's plea of `guilty' or `not guilty' (or nolo contendere); in civil law it must contain denials of all allegations in the plaintiff's complaint that the defendant hopes to controvert and it can contain affirmative defenses or counterclaims
5. a nonverbal reaction
   
   • his answer to any problem was to get drunk
   • their answer was to sue me

v.

1. reply or respond to;
   reply, respond
   
   • She didn't want to answer
   • answer the question
   • We answered that we would accept the invitation
2. give the correct answer or solution to
   
   • answer a question
   • answer the riddle
3. respond to a signal
   
   • answer the door
   • answer the telephone
4. understand the meaning of;
   resolve
   
   • The question concerning the meaning of life cannot be answered
5. give a defence or refutation of (a charge) or in (an argument)
   
   • The defendant answered to all the charges of the prosecution
6. be liable or accountable
   
   • She must answer for her actions
7. be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity;
   suffice, do, serve
   
   • A few words would answer
   • This car suits my purpose well
   • Will $100 do?
   • A 'B' grade doesn't suffice to get me into medical school
   • Nothing else will serve
8. match or correspond
   
   • The drawing of the suspect answers to the description the victim gave
9. be satisfactory for; meet the requirements of or serve the purpose of
   
   • This may answer her needs
10. react to a stimulus or command
    
    • The steering of my new car answers to the slightest touch