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bend

[ ˈbend]

bend

verb

[ˈbend]

bent\ ˈbent \; bending

Definition of bend

(Entry 1 of 4)

transitive verb

1 : to constrain or strain to tension by curving
//bend a bow

2a : to turn or force from straight or even to curved or angular
//bend a pipe

b : to force from a proper shape
//Her bicycle's back wheel got bent in the crash.

c : to force back to an original straight or even condition
//bend the wire flat

3 : fasten
//bend a sail to its yard

4a : to cause to turn from a straight course : deflect
//bend a ray of light with a mirror

b : to guide or turn toward : direct … bends his rapid steps in the direction of the headquarters …— O. Henry

c : incline, dispose bending their minds to the Buddhist concept of eternity— Christopher Rand

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
//refusing to be bent

intransitive verb

1 : to curve out of a straight line or position
//The road bends to the left. tree limbs bending under the weight of the snow bent down to pick up a piece of paper bending double with pain specifically : to incline the body in token of submission
//bend to the queen

2 : to apply oneself vigorously
//bending to their work

3 : incline, tend
//She bends to the Left politically.

4 : compromise sense 2
//refusing to bend under pressure to change bending to the will of wealthy supporters

bend one's ear

: to talk to someone at length

bend over backward or bend over backwards

: to make extreme efforts
//had to bend over backward to get these tickets

Other Words from bend

Verb

bendable \ ˈben-də-bəl \ adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms for dainty

Synonyms: Verb

Synonyms: Antonyms:verb

First Known Use of bend

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for bend

Verb and Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English bendan; akin to Old English bend fetter — more at band

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Middle French bende, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German binta, bant band — more at band

Dictionary Entries near bend

Phrases Related to bend

bend to the will of (someone)

bend under one's own weight

More Synonyms and Antonyms ofbend

Synonyms of bend

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 something that curves or is curved

it's hard to see around that bend in the road, so be careful

Synonyms for bend

Words Related to bend

kink,
warp

2 the act of positioning or an instance of being positioned at an angle

did knee bends for exercise

Synonyms for bend

Words Related to bend

bend

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of bend (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to cause to turn away from a straight line

she bent the blade of the knife when she got it jammed in the drawer

Synonyms for bend

Words Related to bend

arc,
round

dent,
dimple

Antonyms for bend

2 to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention

bent herself to the task for the rest of the day

Synonyms for bend

Words Related to bend

Phrases Synonymous with bend

Near Antonyms for bend

3 to point or turn (something) toward a target or goal

bent all of his efforts toward making his first documentary film

Synonyms for bend

Words Related to bend

sight

bear,
face

Near Antonyms for bend

4 to turn away from a straight line or course

the stream bends slightly to the east

Synonyms for bend

Words Related to bend

deviate,
veer

Antonyms for bend

straighten

5 to change so much as to create a wrong impression or alter the meaning of

attorneys bending the facts to put their client in the most favorable light

Synonyms for bend

Words Related to bend

Near Antonyms for bend

decipher

6 to cause (something) to hold to another

bend a leash to the dog's collar

Synonyms for bend

Words Related to bend

Near Antonyms for bend

loose,
loosen

Antonyms for bend

More Definitions forbend

bend

verb

English Language Learners Definition of bend

: 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

bend

verb

\ ˈbend \

bent\ ˈbent \; bending

Kids Definition of bend

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

bend

noun

Kids Definition of bend (Entry 2 of 2)

: something that is bent : a curved part of something
//a bend in the river