verb (past and past participlebent [ bent ], present participlebend·ing, 3rd person present singularbends)
Definition:
1. transitive and intransitive verb become or make curved: to take on a curved or angled shape, or cause something to do this The wooden struts bent under pressure.
2. transitive and intransitive verb stoop: to make a stooping or inclined movement, or cause somebody to do this I bent to pick up the ball.
3. transitive and intransitive verb change or cause to change direction: to change direction or course, or cause something to do this The path bends to the right.
4. transitive verb distort for somebody's benefit: to adapt or interpret something in a way that was not originally intended, especially for personal benefit or to help somebody else bend the rules
5. transitive and intransitive verb yield or force to yield: to yield in response to a strong will or force, or force somebody or something to do this
6. transitive and intransitive verb concentrate on doing something: to concentrate the mind on an activity bent her mind to the task at hand
7. transitive verb nautical attach: to attach or fasten something, especially a rope
noun (pluralbends)
Definition:
1. curve: a curved part of something, especially a curve in a road
2. act of bending: an act of bending
3. nautical knot joining two ropes: a knot that joins one line to another
[ Old English bendan "tie, curve" < Germanic]
bend·a·ble adjective
around the bend wild, distracted, or irrational (slang)
Word History
The prehistoric Germanic word from which bend is derived is also the ancestor of English band2, bind, and bond, and possibly also of bundle.
