A person other than a family member, spouse or lover whose company one enjoys and towards whom one feels affection.
John and I have been friends ever since we were roommates at college. Trust is important between friends. I used to find it hard to make friends when I was shy.
An associate who provides assistance.
The Automobile Association is every motorist's friend. The police is every law-abiding citizen's friend.
A person with whom one is vaguely or indirectly acquainted.
a friend of a friend; I added him as a friend on Facebook, but I hardly know him.
A person who backs or supports something.
I’m not a friend of cheap wine.
An object or idea that can be used for good.
Wiktionary is your friend.
(used only in the vocative) Used as a form of address when warning someone.
You’d better watch it, friend.
A function or class granted special access to the private and protected members of another class.
A spring-loaded camming device.
A lover; a boyfriend or girlfriend.
A relative, a relation by blood or marriage.
Friends agree best at a distance.