First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1bend
verb \ˈbend\
: to use force to cause (something, such as a wire or pipe) to become curved
: to curve out of a straight line or position
: to move your body so that it is not straight
bent \ˈbent\ bend·ing
Full Definition of BEND
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
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 <bending to their work>
4
: compromise 2
— bend·a·ble \ˈben-də-bəl\ adjective
— bend one's ear
: to talk to someone at length
— bend over backward or bend over backwards
: to make extreme efforts
See bend defined for English-language learners
See bend defined for kids
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Origin of BEND
Middle English, from Old English bendan; akin to Old English bend fetter — more at band
2bend
noun
Definition of BEND
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 : 1wale 2 —usually used in plural
3
plural but sing or plural in constr : the painful manifestations (as joint pain) of decompression sickness; also : decompression sickness —usually used with the
First Known Use of BEND
15th century
3bend
noun
Definition of BEND
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
Origin of BEND
Middle English, from Middle French bende, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German binta, bant band — more at band
First Known Use: 15th century
Bend
geographical name \ˈbend\
Definition of BEND
city cen Oregon on the Deschutes pop 76,639
BEND Defined for Kids
1bend
verb \ˈbend\
bent \ˈbent\bend·ing
Definition of BEND for Kids
1
: to make, be, or become curved or angular rather than straight or flat <Bend the wire into a circle.>
2
: to move out of a straight line or position <The road bends to the left.> <Bend over and pick it up.>
3
: to not follow or tell exactly <bend the rules> <bend the truth>
2bend
noun
Definition of BEND for Kids
: something that is bent : a curved part of something <a bend in the river>
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