Meaning & Definition of word "Bending"

Bending

/ˈbɛn.dɪŋ/

1. The act of bending.
- Example: His bending of the rules led to unexpected consequences.
2. A curve in something that has been bent.
- Example: There was a noticeable bending in the road ahead.

1. To shape or force (something straight) into a curve or angle.
- Example: She was bending the wire into the shape of a heart.
2. To incline or curve away from a straight line.
- Example: The tree branches were bending under the weight of the snow.
3. To submit to pressure or influence.
- Example: He refused to bend to the demands of his critics.

Old English 'bindan', meaning to bind or tie, plus the present participle ending 'ing'.

bending over backwards:

Making a great effort to accommodate or please someone.

bending the rules:

Changing or ignoring rules to achieve a desired outcome.

bending someone's ear:

Talking to someone at length, especially to persuade them.

bend:

To curve something or to cause it to change direction.

flex:

To bend something, typically without breaking it.

curve:

A smoothly flowing, continuous line or path that is not straight.

Meaning: To bend someone out of shape

Example Sentence: He was really bent out of shape over the criticism.

Meaning: Bending the truth

Example Sentence: She wasn’t lying, just bending the truth a little.