noun

• (after a possessive, with to) Someone or something that fills a similar role or position.
  "Anti-pornography crusader Mary Whitehouse, who successfully brought London's Gay News to trial recently on charges of "blasphemy," is emerging as England's answer to Anita Bryant."
• (law) A document filed in response to a complaint, responding to each point raised in the complaint and raising counterpoints.

verb

• (ambitransitive) To make a reply or response to.
  "She answers him as if she knew his mind:"
• (transitive) To speak in defence against; to reply to in defence.
  "to answer a charge or accusation"
• (ambitransitive) To respond to a call by someone at a door or telephone, or other similar piece of equipment.
  "She answered the door."
• (ambitransitive) To suit a need or purpose satisfactorily.
  "It answers the need."