noun / verb
bend
BEND/bend/
To change from a straight course into a curve or angle.
The man bends a thin wooden strip into a broad curve.
Etymology
The connection with binding comes through bending a bow to string it. That specific action broadened into making anything curved or crooked.
In context
we take two of the saplings strong enough to require your weight and mine to bend them
More examples
- The river disappears around a sharp bend.
- He refuses to bend to pressure from the committee.
- They bent their efforts toward finding a solution.
Forms
bend · bends · bent · bending
bendable adjective — Able to curve without breaking.
Similar words
- curve
- Describes a smooth change of direction.
- flex
- Often suggests temporary bending without permanent distortion.