Meaning & Definition of word "Bend"

Bend

/bɛnd/

noun:

  • 1. A curve or angle in something straight.
    • Example: There’s a sharp bend in the road ahead.
  • 2. An act of bending.
    • Example: He performed a bend to show his flexibility.

verb:

  • 1. To shape or force something straight into a curve or angle.
    • Example: She had to bend the metal rod to fit it into the frame.
  • 2. To move or incline something away from a vertical or horizontal position.
    • Example: He had to bend down to pick up the pen from the floor.
  • 3. To yield or give way to pressure.
    • Example: The tree branches began to bend under the weight of the snow.

Etymology

Old English 'bendan', meaning to make curved.

Common Phrases and Expressions

bend over backwards:

To make a great effort to assist or please someone.

bend the rules:

To break or adjust the rules slightly.

bend someone's ear:

To talk to someone, often at length, about something.

Related Words

bender:

A person who bends something, or a tool used for bending.

unbend:

To straighten something that has been bent.

Slang Meanings of bend

Meaning: To lose one's composure or control

Example Sentence: He totally bent after that criticism.

Meaning: To drink excessively for a period

Example Sentence: We went on a bend last weekend at the party.