BEND | Definition and Meaning

Definition of Bend

Bend

bend

Definition/Meaning

(verb)

to change something's shape so that it is angular or curved instead of straight or vice versa, often using force;

e.g. She used her hands to bend the wire into a curved hook.

(verb)

to cause something to turn from its usual course, especially to cause it to stray from a straight line;

e.g. This road will bend to pass around the lake, while the other will pass over a bridge across the lake.

(verb)

to lean one's body downward from an upright position, or to move a part of one's body so that it is positioned at an angle;

e.g. He tried to bend down to tie his shoe, but his back was too sore. I can't bend my elbow because I hurt it when I fell down.

(verb)

broadly, to change something/someone in order to suit one's needs or desires, for example to force someone to act in a particular way or to adjust a something for a particular reason;

e.g. She can bend them to do anything because of the seniority of her position. He wanted to bend the guidelines in order to give himself an advantage.

(noun)

a curve or angle in something's shape or path;

e.g. There is something stuck in the bend of the pipe under the sink. We couldn't see what was beyond the bend of the river.