rear

At the back of something.

• Use the rear entrance.
• The children sat in the rear seats.
• One rear wheel needs replacing.

Similar words: back

Opposites: front

Common phrases: rear door, rear window, rear seat

The part of something that is furthest behind or away from the front.

• The kitchen is at the rear.
• We parked behind the rear of the building.
• Smoke came from the rear of the bus.

How to use it: the rear of something (There is a garden at the rear of the house.)

Similar words: back

Opposites: front

Common phrases: at the rear, rear of something

To care for children and teach them until they are adults.

• They reared four children together.
• She was reared by her grandparents.
• Rearing a child requires time and patience.

Similar words: bring up, raise

Common phrases: rear children, rear a child

To breed and care for farm animals until they are grown.

• They rear sheep on their farm.
• The farmer reared the calves indoors.
• Is it expensive to rear cattle?

Similar words: raise, breed

Common phrases: rear cattle, rear sheep, rear livestock

For an animal, especially a horse, to stand up on its back legs.

• The horse reared when it heard the noise.
• A frightened stallion reared up beside the fence.
• Hold the reins if the horse starts to rear.

How to use it: rear up (The horse reared up in fear.)

Similar words: rise up

Common phrases: rear up, rear suddenly

To lift something or hold it in a high position.

• The snake reared its head.
• The soldiers reared their banner high.
• He reared his arm above the crowd.

Similar words: raise, lift

Opposites: lower

Common phrases: rear a banner, rear its head

To cut a cooked bird into pieces for serving.

• He used a sharp knife to rear the goose.
• The cook reared the roasted bird before serving it.
• Please rear the goose for our guests.

Similar words: carve

Common phrases: rear a goose, rear the bird