bend
verb
\ ˈbend
\
\
bent\ ˈbent
\;
bending
\;
bending
Definition of bend
(Entry 1 of 4)
1
: to constrain or strain to tension by curving
bend a bow
2a
: to turn or force from straight or even to curved or angular
bend a pipe
b
: to force from a proper shape
Her bicycle's back wheel got bent in the crash.
c
: to force back to an original straight or even condition
bend the wire flat
3
: fasten
bend a sail to its yard
4a
: to cause to turn from a straight course : deflect
bend a ray of light with a mirror
b
: to guide or turn toward : direct
… bends his rapid steps in the direction of the headquarters …— O. Henry
d
: to adapt to one's purpose : distort
bend the rules
5
: to direct strenuously or with interest : apply
bent himself to the task
6
: to make submissive : subdue
refusing to be bent
1
: to curve out of a straight line or position
The road bends to the left. tree limbs bending under the weight of the snow bent down to pick up a piece of paper bending double with pain
specifically
: to incline the body in token of submission
bend to the queen
2
: to apply oneself vigorously
bending to their work
4
: compromise sense 2
refusing to bend under pressure to change bending to the will of wealthy supporters
bend one's ear
bend over backward
or bend over backwards
: to talk to someone at length
: to make extreme efforts
had to bend over backward to get these tickets
bend
noun (1)Definition of bend (Entry 2 of 4)
1
: the act or process of bending
doing knee bends
: the state of being bent
the graceful bends of Gothic windows
2
: something that is bent: such as
a
: a curved part of a path (as of a stream or road)
Their house is down the road, just past the bend.
3
bends plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: decompression sickness
also
: intense joint pain occurring as a common manifestation of decompression sickness
—usually used with the a case of the bends