Bending

/ˈbɛn.dɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The act of bending.

His bending of the rules led to unexpected consequences.

A curve in something that has been bent.

There was a noticeable bending in the road ahead.

verb

To shape or force (something straight) into a curve or angle.

She was bending the wire into the shape of a heart.

To incline or curve away from a straight line.

The tree branches were bending under the weight of the snow.

To submit to pressure or influence.

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.

To bend someone out of shape

He was really bent out of shape over the criticism.

Bending the truth

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