\ ˈbīnd
\
\
bound\
ˈbau̇nd
\; binding
\; binding
Definition of bind
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: to make secure by tying
His hands were bound with rope.
b
: to confine, restrain, or restrict as if with bonds
… she was not wholly bound in mind by her middle-class existence— Delmore Schwartz
c
: to put under an obligation
binds himself with an oath
d
: to constrain with legal authority
The court's decision binds them to pay the fine.
2a
: to wrap around with something so as to enclose or cover
A silk sash bound her waist.
b
: bandage
bind their wounds
3
: to fasten round about
when wreaths of laurel bound them
4
: to tie together
binding the wheat into sheaves
5a
: to cause to stick together
tuna and celery bound by mayonnaise
b
: to take up and hold (as by chemical forces) : combine with
cellulose binds water
6
: constipate
Cheese tends to bind him.
7
: to make a firm commitment for
a handshake binds the deal
8
: to protect, strengthen, or decorate by a band or binding
a carpet bound with a gold edging
9
: to apply the parts of the cover to (a book)
10
: to set at work as an apprentice : indenture
He was bound out to a tailor for one year.
11
: to cause to have an emotional attachment
the emotional ties that bind us
12
: to fasten together
a pin bound the ends of the scarf
1a
: to form a cohesive mass
A little milk will help the ingredients bind.
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
shorts that are guaranteed not to bind
3
: to become hindered from free operation
Rust caused the door to bind in its frame.
4
: to exert a restraining or compelling effect
a promise that binds
bind
nounDefinition of bind (Entry 2 of 2)
1a
: something that binds
b
: the act of binding : the state of being bound
c
: a place where binding occurs
3
: a position or situation in which one is hampered, constrained, or prevented from free movement or action
got a bind on his opponent
in a bind
: in trouble
seem to have gotten myself in a bind
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Synonyms & Antonyms for bind
Synonyms: Verb
Synonyms: Noun
- box,
- catch-22,
- corner,
- dilemma,
- fix,
- hole,
- impasse,
- jackpot
- [chiefly West],
- jam,
- mire,
- pickle,
- predicament,
- quagmire,
- rabbit hole,
- rattrap,
- spot,
- sticky wicket,
- swamp
Antonyms: Verb
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Examples of bind in a Sentence
Verb
She bound her hair in a ponytail.
The machine binds the hay into bales.
He doesn't like to wear clothes that bind.
Noun
It's a real bind having to meet all these deadlines.
with our vacation week fast approaching, and no arrangements for the care of our pets, we were in a serious bind
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Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
As a result, water entering the rear brake caliper boot may cause the parking brake operating shafts to corrode and possibly bind.
—
USA TODAY, "Car recalls for December 3-10," 11 Dec. 2020
As a result, water entering the rear brake caliper boot may cause the parking brake operating shafts to corrode and possibly bind.
—
Detroit Free Press, "Car recalls for Dec. 3-10: More than 400K vehicles from Kia, Hyundai recalled," 11 Dec. 2020
Township Supervisor Pam Meyers said the purpose of the advisory referendum is to seek feedback from all township voters, and the results do not bind the township board to take action.
—
Michelle Mullins, chicagotribune.com, "Homer Township referendum seeks voter input on constructing multipurpose building at Trantina Farm," 9 Oct. 2020
Now, exercise and endurance athletics have renewed his strength and ambition, sources of empowerment and freedom that bind together his new way of life.
—
Los Angeles Times, "Losing his eyesight unexpectedly triggered a life of fitness, marathons and triathlons," 18 Jan. 2021
This mutation, called Q173K, occurs in a part of the virus’ spike where antibodies seem to bind tightly.
—
Amanda Morris, The Arizona Republic, "Scientists find 'home-grown' variants of the coronavirus, say states need to monitor more," 16 Jan. 2021
With a wooden spoon, vigorously beat together beef and the seasonings until well incorporated meat begins to bind together, 3-5 minutes.
—
Kitty Greenwald, WSJ, "A Great Way to Cook Steak at Home, According to a Top Chef," 21 Dec. 2020
Place the webbing between two pieces of fabric, then apply heat with a clothes iron to bind together.
—
Lara Sorokanich, Popular Mechanics, "How To Get Started in Sewing," 8 Dec. 2020
The choice of a U.S. president is always a matter of global importance - to allies, rivals, trading partners, and the web of treaties and institutions that bind countries together.
—
Anchorage Daily News, "As the U.S. votes, the world watches with anxiety and hope," 3 Nov. 2020
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
Trump’s call for larger relief checks, placing themselves and McConnell in an embarrassing political bind.
—
Jane Mayer, The New Yorker, "Why McConnell Dumped Trump," 23 Jan. 2021
But the nomination is putting some congressional Democrats in a political bind.
—
Will Weissert, Star Tribune, "Biden hails historic Pentagon pick, but some Democrats in bind," 9 Dec. 2020
Here’s a look at a few different bind features to help you zero in on which might work best for you.
—
The Editors, Outdoor Life, "3 Things to Consider Before Buying a Ground Blind," 11 Nov. 2020
Faced with this bind, moderate Democrats like Ossoff have chosen to denounce the Green New Deal even while agreeing with its core principles.
—
Harry Cheadle, The New Republic, "Moderate Democrats Can Call the Green New Deal Whatever They Want," 11 Nov. 2020
This bind was apparent in the speech that Nikki Haley, Trump’s former ambassador to the United Nations and a frequent vessel for the G.O.P.’s future hopes, gave at this year’s Republican National Convention.
—
Elaina Plott, New York Times, "Win or Lose, It’s Donald Trump’s Republican Party," 27 Oct. 2020
Deters wrote in a Friday release that the juvenile co-defendant's mandatory bind-over to adult court is set for a pre-trial on Sept. 3 at 9 a.m.
—
Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, "'Too far-fetched to seem believable.' Deters announces indictments after man kidnapped, shot 9 times," 28 Aug. 2020
One of Navalny’s main associates, Leonid Volkov, said in a YouTube video Wednesday that Navalny’s imminent return to Russia had put Putin in a bind.
—
Ivan Nechepurenko, BostonGlobe.com, "Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is detained after returning from Germany," 17 Jan. 2021
But if later damage estimates boost the carbon cost even further, the administration could be in a bind.
—
Paul Voosen, Science | AAAS, "Trump downplayed the costs of carbon pollution. That’s about to change," 22 Jan. 2021
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bind.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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Dictionary Entries near bind
See More Nearby EntriesStatistics for bind
Last Updated
23 Feb 2021
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“Bind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bind. Accessed 3 Mar. 2021.
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More Definitions for bind
bind
verb
English Language Learners Definition of bind
(Entry 1 of 2)
: to tie or wrap (something) with rope, string, etc.
: to tie the hands or feet of a person to prevent escape or movement
of clothing
: to prevent free movement by fitting too tightly
bind
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of bind (Entry 2 of 2)
: a difficult situation
British
: an annoying problem
See the full definition for bind in the English Language Learners Dictionary
bind
verb
\ ˈbīnd
\
\
bound\
ˈbau̇nd
\; binding
Kids Definition of bind
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: to tie or wrap securely (as with string or rope)
The machine binds the hay into bales.
2
: to hold or restrict by force or obligation
The oath binds you.
3
: to wrap or cover with a bandage
bind a wound
4
: to cause to be joined together closely
… the increased affection which comes to bind households…— Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
5
: to fasten together and enclose in a cover
bind a book
bind
nounKids Definition of bind (Entry 2 of 2)
: a difficult situation
I'm in a real bind.
bind
verb
\ ˈbīnd
\
\
bound\
ˈbau̇nd
\; binding
\; binding
Medical Definition of bind
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: to wrap up (an injury) with a cloth : bandage
binding up the gash with clean gauze
2
: to take up and hold usually by chemical forces : combine with
cellulose binds water
3
: to make costive : constipate
1a
: 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
bind
nounMedical Definition of bind (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: something that binds
2
: the act of binding : the state of being bound — see double bind
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bind
transitive verb
\ ˈbīnd
\
\
bound\
ˈbau̇nd
\; binding
\; binding
Legal Definition of bind
1a
: to make responsible for an obligation (as under a contract)
agents have the power to bind the insurer— R. I. Mehr
b
: to burden with an obligation
prevented married women from binding their property— J. H. Friedenthal et al.
2
: to exert control over : constrain by legal authority
this court is bound by precedent
3
: to bring (an insurance policy) into effect by an oral communication or a binder
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Time Traveler for bind
The first known use of bind was before the 12th century
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