bend

I

[[t]bɛnd[/t]]

v. bent, bend•ing, n.

1) to force from a straight form into a curved or angular one or from a curved or angular form into a different form:

to bend an iron rod into a hoop[/ex]

2) to guide in a particular direction:

to bend one's energies to the task[/ex]

3) to cause to submit:

to bend someone to one's will[/ex]

4) to modify or relax (restrictions):

to bend the rules[/ex]

5) to pull back the string of (a bow) in preparation for shooting

6) navig. to fasten:

to bend ropes together[/ex]

7) to become curved or bent:

a bow that bends easily[/ex]

8) to assume a bent posture; stoop

9) to bow in submission or reverence

10) to turn or incline in a particular direction:

The road bent south[/ex]

11) to yield; submit

12) to direct one's energies

13) the act of bending

14) something that bends:

a bend in the road[/ex]

15) navig. a knot for joining two rope ends or a rope to an object

16) pat the bends,

decompression sickness

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- around bend bend someone's ear,

Etymology: bef. 1000; ME bend′a•ble, adj. bend′y, adj. bend•i•er, bend•i•est. II

bend

[[t]bɛnd[/t]] n.

1) her a diagonal band extending from the dexter chief to the sinister base on a heraldic shield

2) clo half of a trimmed butt or hide

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Etymology: bef. 1000; ME: b. OE bend band (see band) and MF bende band