bind

1 of 2

verb

bound ˈbau̇nd How to pronounce bind (audio) ; binding

transitive verb

1
a
: to make secure by tying
His hands were bound with rope.
b
: to confine, restrain, or restrict as if with bonds
… she was not wholly bound in mind by her middle-class existenceDelmore Schwartz
c
: to put under an obligation
binds himself with an oath
d
: to constrain with legal authority
The court's decision binds them to pay the fine.
2
a
: to wrap around with something so as to enclose or cover
A silk sash bound her waist.
b
: bandage
bind their wounds
3
: to fasten round about
when wreaths of laurel bound them
4
: to tie together
binding the wheat into sheaves
5
a
: to cause to stick together
tuna and celery bound by mayonnaise
b
: to take up and hold (as by chemical forces) : combine with
cellulose binds water
6
: constipate
Cheese tends to bind him.
7
: to make a firm commitment for
a handshake binds the deal
8
: to protect, strengthen, or decorate by a band or binding
a carpet bound with a gold edging
9
: to apply the parts of the cover to (a book)
10
: to set at work as an apprentice : indenture
He was bound out to a tailor for one year.
11
: to cause to have an emotional attachment
the emotional ties that bind us
12
: to fasten together
a pin bound the ends of the scarf

intransitive verb

1
a
: to form a cohesive mass
A little milk will help the ingredients bind.
b
: to combine or be taken up especially by chemical action
antibody binds to a specific antigen
2
: to hamper free movement or natural action
shorts that are guaranteed not to bind
3
: to become hindered from free operation
Rust caused the door to bind in its frame.
4
: to exert a restraining or compelling effect
a promise that binds

bind

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: something that binds
b
: the act of binding : the state of being bound
c
: a place where binding occurs
2
music : tie sense 3
3
: a position or situation in which one is hampered, constrained, or prevented from free movement or action
got a bind on his opponent
Phrases
in a bind
: in trouble
seem to have gotten myself in a bind

Examples of bind in a Sentence

Verb She bound her hair in a ponytail. The machine binds the hay into bales. He doesn't like to wear clothes that bind. Noun It's a real bind having to meet all these deadlines. with our vacation week fast approaching, and no arrangements for the care of our pets, we were in a serious bind
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
His sophomore feature, which won Best Director and Best Performance (for its entire ensemble) at Locarno, is a structurally complex drama about two sisters and their families bound by grief and near-tragedy. Guy Lodge, Variety, 2 Nov. 2024 The season begins in spring and ends in autumn, in a cycle that binds the sport to all living things: renewal and decay, renewal and decay. Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
But their story also offers a glimpse into the bind that some nonfiction filmmakers are facing in a cost-cutting, risk-averse market. Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Oct. 2024 Zelensky’s request for an invitation leaves NATO in a bind. Samya Kullab and Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bind 

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English, from Old English bindan; akin to Old High German bintan to bind, Greek peisma cable, Sanskrit badhnāti he ties

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1b

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bind was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near bind

Cite this Entry

“Bind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bind. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bind

1 of 2 verb
bound ˈbau̇nd How to pronounce bind (audio) ; binding
1
a
: to fasten by tying
b
: to hold or restrict by force or obligation
bound by an oath
2
: bandage entry 2
bind a wound
3
a
: to stick together
b
: to form a mass that sticks together
c
: to take up and hold (as by chemical forces) : combine with
4
: to make firm or sure
a deposit binds the sale
5
a
: to finish or decorate with a binding
b
: to fasten together and enclose in a cover

bind

2 of 2 noun
: something that binds

Medical Definition

bind

1 of 2 verb
bound ˈbau̇nd How to pronounce bind (audio) ; binding

transitive verb

1
: to wrap up (an injury) with a cloth : bandage
binding up the gash with clean gauze
2
: to take up and hold usually by chemical forces : combine with
cellulose binds water
3
: to make costive : constipate

intransitive verb

1
a
: to form a cohesive mass
b
: to combine or be taken up especially by chemical action
antibody binds to a specific antigen
2
: to hamper free movement

bind

2 of 2 noun
1
: something that binds
2
: the act of binding : the state of being bound see double bind

Legal Definition

bind

transitive verb
bound ˈbau̇nd How to pronounce bind (audio) ; binding
1
a
: to make responsible for an obligation (as under a contract)
agents have the power to bind the insurerR. I. Mehr
b
: to burden with an obligation
prevented married women from binding their propertyJ. H. Friedenthal et al.
2
: to exert control over : constrain by legal authority
this court is bound by precedent
3
: to bring (an insurance policy) into effect by an oral communication or a binder

More from Merriam-Webster on bind

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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