bend

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a circular segment of a curve

   a bend in the road

2. 2
   verb

   to change direction

   The road bends at a slight angle.

3. 3
   verb

   to form a curve or angle

   The stick does not bend.

4. 4
   verb

   To cause (something) to change its shape into a curve, by physical force, chemical action, or any other means.

   If you bend the pipe too far, it will break.

5. 5
   verb

   To become curved.

   Look at the trees bending in the wind.

6. 6
   verb

   To cause to change direction.

   Bend thine ear to supplication.

7. 7
   verb

   To change direction.

   The road bends to the right.

8. 8
   verb

   To be inclined; to direct itself.

   to whom our vows and wishes bend

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *bʰendʰ-der. Proto-Germanic *bindaną Proto-Indo-European *-yeti Proto-Indo-European *-éyeti Proto-Germanic *-janą Proto-Germanic *bandijaną Proto-West Germanic *bandijan Old English bendan Middle English benden English bend From Middle English benden, from Old English bendan (“to bind or bend (a bow), fetter, restrain”), from Proto-West Germanic *bandijan, from Proto-Germanic *bandijaną (“to bend”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰendʰ- (“to bind, tie”). Cognate with Middle High German benden (“to fetter”), Danish bænde (“to bend”), Norwegian bende (“to bend”), F…