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 verb 1 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 authority
2 a : to wrap around with something so as to enclose or cover b : bandage
3 : to fasten round about
4 : 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 with
6 : constipate
7 : to make a firm commitment for <a handshake binds the deal>
8 : to protect, strengthen, or decorate by a band or binding
9 : to apply the parts of the cover to (a book)
10 : to set at work as an apprentice : indenture
11 : to cause to have an emotional attachment
12 : to fasten together <a pin bound the ends of the scarf>intransitive verb 1 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 action
3 : to become hindered from free operation
4 : to exert a restraining or compelling effect <a promise that binds>