bend

Definition

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

Etymology

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”), Faroese benda (“to bend, inflect”), Icelandic benda (“to bend”). Related to bind, band, bond.

Example Sentences

• "If you bend the pipe too far, it will break."
• "Don’t bend your knees."
• "Look at the trees bending in the wind."