Dictionaryboundobligation
adjective

bound

Held firmly by a fastening or constraint.

The loosely bound pages begin to separate from the book's cover.

Etymology

Old English bindan meant to tie or bind. Bound is the resulting state: something has been secured, either by a physical fastening or by a limiting obligation or condition.

More examples

  • They are legally bound to honor the agreement.
  • His hands remained bound with rope.
  • She felt duty-bound to tell the truth.

Forms

bound

Similar words

tied
Tied suggests a knot or direct connection; bound can also describe formal obligations and book construction.