tend; fix up; torment; manipulate
Meanings
3 senses · 6 examplesverb
to tend; to fix up; to manage (land, crops, or animals)
dialectUsed in northern dialects to describe taking care of land, crops, or sick animals. Often implies hands-on, meticulous care.
He tended this plot of land quite well, and the crops are growing especially well.
The foal was sick, and he tended to it all night, finally managing to save it.
verb
to torment; to torture; to make someone suffer
dialectImplies causing physical or mental suffering, often through persistent annoyance or harsh treatment. Common in northern colloquial speech.
He tormented me so much that I haven't slept well for days.
Stop tormenting me and let me have some peace and quiet.
verb
to manipulate; to control; to order around
dialectUsed when someone is forced to do things against their will because they are under another's control or have fallen into a trap.
Since he had fallen into the trap, he had no choice but to let others manipulate him.
I don't want to be manipulated by others; I want to make my own decisions.