bend

¹bend

verb \ˈbend\

bent\ˈbent\bend·ing

Definition of BEND

transitive verb

1

: 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 condition

3

: 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 : subdue

intransitive verb

1

: to curve out of a straight line or position; specifically : to incline the body in token of submission

2

: to apply oneself vigorously <bending to their work>

3

: incline, tend

4

: 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

Examples of BEND

1. bend a wire into a circle
2. bend the cable around a wheel
3. He bent the bow and shot an arrow from it.
4. His glasses got bent when he dropped them.
5. The trees were bending in the wind.
6. The branch will bend before it breaks.
7. She bent down to pick up a piece of paper and then she straightened up again.
8. He bent back to look up at the ceiling.
9. bend to the left and then bend to the right

Origin of BEND

Middle English, from Old English bendan; akin to Old English bend fetter — more at band

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to BEND

Synonyms: arch, bow, crook, curve, hook, swerve

Antonyms: straighten, unbend, uncurl

Related Words: arc, round; incurvate, incurve, inflect, reflect; deflect, divert; entwine, kink, swirl, turn, twine, twist, veer, warp; coil, curl, enroll (also enrol), loop, spiral; dent, dimple; meander, wave, weave, wind; decline, incline, slope

Near Antonyms: dally, dawdle, dillydally, fiddle (around), fool around, idle, mess around, monkey (around), play, potter (around), putter (around), trifle

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