I. ˈbīnd verb
( bound ˈbau̇nd ; bind·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English bindan; akin to Old High German bintan to bind, Greek peisma cable, Sanskrit badhnāti he ties
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to make secure by tying
b. : to confine, restrain, or restrict as if with bonds
c. : to put under an obligation
bind 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 bind 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 to have an emotional attachment
12. : to fasten together
a pin bound the ends of the scarf
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to form a cohesive mass
b. : to combine or be taken up especially by chemical action
antibody bind 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 bind s
II. noun
Date: before 12th century
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
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- in a bind