Definition of: amend

(ə·mend′) v.t.
1. To change for the better; improve.
2. To free from faults; correct; reform.
3. To change or alter by authority: to amend a bill.
4. Obs. To mend or repair.
—v.i.
5. To become better in conduct. [< OF amender < L emendare to free from faults < ex- from + mendum fault]
—a·mend′a·ble adjective
—a·mend′a·ble·nessnoun
—a· mend′er noun Synonyms: advance, ameliorate, better, cleanse, correct, emend, improve, meliorate, mend, mitigate, purify, reclaim, rectify, reform, repair. To amend is to change for the better by removing faults, errors, or defects; it always refers to that which at some point falls short of a standard of excellence. Advance, better, and improve may refer either to what is quite imperfect or to what has reached a high degree of excellence. We correct evils, reform abuses, rectify incidental conditions of evil or error; we ameliorate poverty and misery, which we cannot wholly remove. We mend a tool, repair a building, correct proof; we amend character or conduct that is faulty, or a statement or law that is defective. Compare ALLAY, ALLEVIATE, EMEND. Antonyms: aggravate, blemish, corrupt, debase, depress, deteriorate, harm, impair, injure, mar, spoil, tarnish, vitiate.