contend

/kən-ˈtend/

Middle English contenden, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French contendre, going back to Latin contendere "to draw tight, strain, make an effort, strive, compete," from con- com-tendere "to extend outward, stretch, spread out, aim (at a purpose)"

verb

  1. to strive or vie in contest or rivalry or against difficulties : struggle

  2. to strive in debate : argue

  3. maintain, assert

contended with the problems of municipal government

phrasal verb

  1. to deal with (something difficult or unpleasant)

Customers should not have to contend with the problems caused by these delays.

idiom

  1. many problems to deal with

He's had a lot to contend with recently.