vi.[(+against/for/with)]

1. 争夺，竞争
   Three students contended for the prize.

   三个学生竞争该奖。

2. 全力对付；搏斗；奋斗
   There were too many problems to contend with.

   要全力对付的问题真是太多太多了。

3. 争论，辩论

vt.

1. 为……斗争（或竞争、争论等）
2. 坚决主张，声称[Y][+（that）]
   The police contended that the difficulties they faced were too severe.

   警察强调说他们面临的困难太严重了。

v.

1. (contend with/against) struggle to surmount (a difficulty).
   ▸ (contend for) engage in a struggle or campaign to achieve.
2. assert something as a position in an argument.