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 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 : subdueintransitive 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