Meaning & Definition of word "Bound"

Bound

/baʊnd/

noun:

  • 1. a leaping or jumping movement.
    • Example: With a final bound, the rabbit escaped into the bushes.

verb:

  • 1. past tense of bind; to tie or secure.
    • Example: He bound the package with twine before shipping it.
  • 2. to move quickly with leaping strides.
    • Example: The children bounded across the yard in excitement.

adjective:

  • 1. leaping or bounding; having a specified limit or confinement.
    • Example: The dog was bound by a leash to the owner's hand.
  • 2. determined or certain to do something; obliged.
    • Example: She is bound to meet her deadlines at work.
  • 3. confined; restricted to a particular area.
    • Example: He felt bound by the rules of the competition.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English 'bund', from 'bindan' meaning to bind.

Common Phrases and Expressions

bound to:

certain to happen or happen

bound up:

tied up; involved, or preoccupied

homeward bound:

heading back to one’s home

in bounds:

within the limits or boundary

out of bounds:

beyond the limits or boundary

Related Words

bind:

to tie or secure

binding:

a limit or constraint

bond:

a connection or obligation

Slang Meanings of bound

Meaning: to be committed to

Example Sentence: She's bound to her work schedule.

Meaning: to be in a situation where options are limited

Example Sentence: I'm bound by the circumstances and can't leave.