bent

adjective

ˈbent 

1

: changed by bending out of an originally straight or even condition

bent twigs

standing with knees slightly bent

2

: strongly inclined : determined

—usually used with on

was bent on going

3

slang

a

: different from the normal or usual

… she was so bent that she's probably a woman who ought to be locked up somewhere …

—Robert Redford

b

chiefly British : dishonest, corrupt

a bent cop

c

chiefly US : intoxicated, drunk

Like to get bent? This hangover beater will help you get back on track.

—VIBE

see also:

bent out of shape get bent

Synonyms of bent

• crooked
• deceptive
• fraudulent
• shady
• dishonest

Examples of bent in a Sentence

With your knees slightly bent, bend forward and touch your toes.

the drug dealer knew which of the cops were bent

Recent Examples on the Web

The Dodgers bullpen bent but did not break, with the help of late-inning insurance runs from the offense. —Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a pair of dumbbells in front of your shoulders in a racked position (elbows bent, palms facing each other). —Jenessa Connor, Health, 10 June 2026

In some of the photos, Lester and Wolpert had their heads bent toward each other, with the Four Seasons actress' hands resting gently on her partner's face. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026

Delane’s knees are bent, his hips are loose and his eyes are absolutely fixed on the receiver’s hips. —Jesse Newell, New York Times, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from past participle of benden to bend

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bent

• bent grass
• bent out of shape
• get bent
• hell-bent

Rhymes for bent

• blent
• cent
• ent
• fent
• lent
• meant
• pent
• rent
• rente
• scent
• sent
• spent

Kids Definition

bent

1 of 3 noun

ˈbent 

: bent grass

bent

2 of 3 adjective

1

: changed by bending : crooked

a bent pin

2

: strongly favorable to : quite determined

doctors bent on finding a cure

bent

3 of 3 noun

1

: a strong natural liking

2

: a special inclination or capacity : talent

Etymology

Middle English bent "grassy place, bent grass"

Middle English bent "crooked," from benden "to bend"

from bend "to turn in a certain direction"