[bind] vb bound ; bind.ing [ME, fr. OE bindan; akin to OHG bintan to bind, Gk peisma cable, Skt badhnati he binds] vt (bef. 12c) 1 a: to make secure by tying b: to confine, restrain, or restrict as if with bonds c: to put under an obligation "~s 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 ~s 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 or bring about an emotional attachment 12: to fasten together ~ vi 1 a: to form a cohesive mass b: to combine or be taken up esp. by chemical action "antibody ~s 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 ~s"
[2]bind n (bef. 12c) 1 a: something that binds b: the act of binding: the state of being bound c: a place where binding occurs
2: tie 3
3: a position or situation in which one is hampered, constrained, or prevented from free movement or action -- in a bind : in trouble