noun / verb

bound

a limit marking how far something extends

A stone wall bounds the garden along its northern edge.

Etymology

Old French bonde named a boundary. Bound preserves the idea of an outer limit, identifying the point or line beyond which a place, quantity, or activity does not extend.

More examples

  • Keep the discussion within reasonable bounds.
  • The estimate sets an upper bound on costs.
  • Two rivers bounded the old estate.

Forms

bound · bounds · bounded · bounding

Similar words

boundary
A boundary is a dividing limit; bound is often used in the plural for permitted limits.