Main Entry:

¹bind

Pronunciation:

\ˈbīnd\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

bound \ˈbau̇nd\ ; bind·ing

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English bindan; akin to Old High German bintan to bind, Greek peisma cable, Sanskrit badhnāti he ties

Date:

before 12th century

transitive verb1 a: to make secure by tying b: to confine, restrain, or restrict as if with bonds c: to put under an obligation <binds himself with an oath> d: to constrain with legal authority2 a: to wrap around with something so as to enclose or cover b: bandage3: to fasten round about4: to tie together (as stocks of wheat)5 a: to cause to stick together b: to take up and hold (as by chemical forces) : combine with6: constipate7: to make a firm commitment for <a handshake binds the deal>8: to protect, strengthen, or decorate by a band or binding9: to apply the parts of the cover to (a book)10: to set at work as an apprentice : indenture11: to cause to have an emotional attachment12: to fasten together <a pin bound the ends of the scarf>intransitive verb1 a: to form a cohesive mass b: to combine or be taken up especially by chemical action <antibody binds to a specific antigen>2: to hamper free movement or natural action3: to become hindered from free operation4: to exert a restraining or compelling effect <a promise that binds>