n.
Pronunciation: ' bend
Function: verb
Inflected Form: bent \ ' bent \ ; bend · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English bendan; akin to Old English bend fetter ― more at BAND
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1 : to constrain or strain to tension by curving < bend a bow>
2 a : to turn or force from straight or even to curved or angular b : to force from a proper shape c : to force back to an original straight or even condition
3 : FASTEN < bend a sail to its yard>
4 a : to cause to turn from a straight course : DEFLECT b : to guide or turn toward : DIRECT c : INCLINE , DISPOSE d : to adapt to one's purpose : DISTORT < bend the rules>
5 : to direct strenuously or with interest : APPLY < bent himself to the task>
6 : to make submissive : SUBDUE
intransitive verb
1 : to curve out of a straight line or position specifically : to incline the body in token of submission
2 : to apply oneself vigorously < bend ing to their work>
3 : INCLINE , TEND
4 : COMPROMISE 2
– bend · a · ble \ ' ben-d ə -b ə l \ adjective
– bend one's ear : to talk to someone at length
– bend over backward or bend over backwards : to make extreme efforts