Definitions for the word "receive" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. v. t.
To take, as something that is offered, given, committed, sent, paid, or the like; to accept; as, to receive money offered in payment of a debt; to receive a gift, a message, or a letter.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. t.
Hence: To gain the knowledge of; to take into the mind by assent to; to give admission to; to accept, as an opinion, notion, etc.; to embrace.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. t.
To allow, as a custom, tradition, or the like; to give credence or acceptance to.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. t.
To give admittance to; to permit to enter, as into one's house, presence, company, and the like; as, to receive a lodger, visitor, ambassador, messenger, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. t.
To admit; to take in; to hold; to contain; to have capacity for; to be able to take in.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. t.
To be affected by something; to suffer; to be subjected to; as, to receive pleasure or pain; to receive a wound or a blow; to receive damage.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. t.
To take from a thief, as goods known to be stolen.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. t.
To bat back (the ball) when served.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. i.
To receive visitors; to be at home to receive calls; as, she receives on Tuesdays.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. i.
To return, or bat back, the ball when served; as, it is your turn to receive.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v.
(-ving) 1 take or accept (a thing offered, sent, or given). 2 acquire; be provided with. 3 have conferred or inflicted on one. 4 react to (news, a play, etc.) In a particular way. 5 a stand the force or weight of. B bear up against; encounter with opposition. 6 consent to hear (a confession or oath) or consider (a petition). 7 (also absol.) Accept (stolen goods knowingly). 8 admit; consent or prove able to hold; provide accommodation for. 9 (of a receptacle) be able to hold. 10 greet or welcome, esp. In a specified manner. 11 entertain as a guest etc. 12 admit to membership. 13 convert (broadcast signals) into sound or pictures. 14 (often as received adj.) Give credit to; accept as authoritative or true. be at (or on) the receiving end colloq. Bear the brunt of something unpleasant. [latin recipio -cept- get back again]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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Additional Info
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