bent
play
\ˈbent\;
bending
1
: to constrain or strain to tension by curving
2 a
: to turn or force from straight or even to curved or angular
b
: to force from a proper shape - Her bicycle's back wheel got bent in the crash.
c
: to force back to an original straight or even condition
4 a
: to cause to turn from a straight course : deflect - bend a ray of light with a mirror
b
: to guide or turn toward : direct - … bends his rapid steps in the direction of the headquarters …
- —O. Henry
c
: incline, dispose - bending their minds to the Buddhist concept of eternity
- —Christopher Rand
d
: to adapt to one's purpose : distort
5
: to direct strenuously or with interest : apply
6
: to make submissive : subdue
1
: to curve out of a straight line or position - The road bends to the left.
- tree limbs bending under the weight of the snow
- bent down to pick up a piece of paper
;
specifically
: to incline the body in token of submission
2
: to apply oneself vigorously
4
: compromise 2 - refusing to bend under pressure to change
- bending to the will of wealthy supporters
—
bendable
play
\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 - had to bend over backward to get these tickets