bend
To cause (something) to change its shape into a curve, by physical force, chemical action, or any other means.
Example
“If you bend the pipe too far, it will break.”
Other meanings
To become curved.
“Look at the trees bending in the wind.”
To cause to change direction.
Synonyms
- flex
Word history
From Old English "bendan" (to bind or bend (a bow), fetter, restrain).
Where this comes from
This definition is adapted from “bend” on Wiktionary, by its contributors; related-word lists use Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0, based on Princeton WordNet), published under CC BY-SA 4.0. This page is published under the same licence.