I. ˈbend verb
( bent ˈbent ; 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 ˈben-də-bəl adjective
•
- bend one's ear
- bend over backward
II. noun
Date: 15th century
1. : the act or process of bending : the state of being bent
2. : something that is bent: as
a. : a curved part of a path (as of a stream or road)
b. : wale I,2 — usually used in plural
3. plural but singular or plural in construction : the painful manifestations (as joint pain) of decompression sickness ; also : decompression sickness — usually used with the
•
- around the bend
III. noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French bende, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German binta, bant band — more at band
Date: 15th century
1. : a diagonal band that runs from the dexter chief to the sinister base on a heraldic shield — compare bend sinister
2.
[Middle English, band, from Old English bend fetter — more at band ]
: a knot by which one rope is fastened to another or to some object