Bend

Main Entry:: ¹bend
Pronunciation:: \ˈbend\
Function:: verb
Inflected Form(s):: bent \ˈbent\ ; bend·ing
Etymology:: Middle English, from Old English bendan; akin to Old English bend fetter — more at band
Date:: before 12th century

transitive verb1: to constrain or strain to tension by curving <bend a bow>2 a: to turn or force from straight or even to curved or angular b: to force from a proper shape c: to force back to an original straight or even condition3: fasten <bend a sail to its yard>4 a: to cause to turn from a straight course : deflect b: to guide or turn toward : direct c: incline , dispose d: to adapt to one's purpose : distort <bend the rules>5: to direct strenuously or with interest : apply <bent himself to the task>6: to make submissive : subdueintransitive verb1: to curve out of a straight line or position ; specifically : to incline the body in token of submission2: to apply oneself vigorously <bending to their work>3: incline , tend4: compromise 2

— bend·a·ble

\ˈben-də-bəl\ adjective

— bend one's ear

: to talk to someone at length

— bend over backward or bend over backwards

: to make extreme efforts

Learn more about "bend" and related topics at Britannica.com

See a map of "bend" in the Visual Thesaurus

Find Jobs in Your City

Pronunciation Symbols