noun

• a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
  "I waited several days for his answer"
• a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem
  "they were trying to find a peaceful solution"
• the speech act of replying to a question
• the principal 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

verb

• react verbally
  "She didn't want to answer"
• respond to a signal
  "answer the door"
• give the correct answer or solution to
  "answer a question"
• understand the meaning of
  "The question concerning the meaning of life cannot be answered"