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[1] 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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