bend
verb (transitive)
UK/bend/US/bend/
To curve or cause something to curve; to move the body or part of it so that it is no longer straight; to incline or direct one’s attention or energy toward something.
Example Sentences
She had to bend the wire coat hanger to open the locked car door.
He knelt down, bending his knees slowly, to tie his shoelaces before running.
When strong winds hit, tall trees often bend but rarely break due to their natural flexibility.
The yoga instructor demonstrated how to bend at the waist to stretch the hamstrings properly.
Workers sometimes bend metal sheets to form precise shapes in industrial manufacturing.
If you bend the cardboard gently, you can create a perfect curve for the art project without causing any creases.
Standing in front of the ancient altar, the priest began to bend forward in reverence, showing deep respect for centuries of sacred tradition and spiritual heritage.
In pursuit of his studies, he would bend all his energy toward mastering complex mathematical theories, sacrificing many leisure hours to achieve his goal.
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noun (countable)
UK/bend/US/bend/
A curve or angle in a road, river, or other linear structure; any point where something changes direction or shape.
Example Sentences
He slowed his car as he approached the sharp bend in the mountain road.
Some rivers form a dramatic bend as they wind around large boulders and forested areas.
You can see the bend in the pipe if you shine a flashlight down the drain.
The hiking trail had a gentle bend leading to a panoramic viewpoint of the valley below.
After the first bend in the path, you’ll notice a large oak tree that’s been standing there for centuries.
To make the track safer, engineers reshaped the bend so train cars wouldn’t derail if they traveled at higher speeds.
A group of local artists decided to erect a colorful mural around the bend of the old downtown street, brightening the once overlooked area into a vibrant community spot.
The abrupt bend in the canal was designed to slow down water flow, helping to mitigate erosion and preserve the ancient farmland nearby.
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How to Use
A verb or noun indicating a curved shape or the action of changing something from straight to curved.“Bend” is most often a verb that suggests altering the shape or direction of an object, typically changing it from straight to curved or angled. You might say, “Please don’t bend the pages of my book,” or, “She bent the wire into a circular shape.” In everyday usage, it can refer to physical movement—bending your knees, elbows, or body—or manipulating other materials. Beyond the literal sense, “bend” can appear in figurative expressions like “bend the rules,” meaning to modify or loosely interpret them. As a noun, “a bend” might be a curve in a road or river (“There’s a sharp bend ahead”), or even a curved posture in yoga (“Hold the forward bend for five breaths”). Pay attention to the context to distinguish whether it’s describing a literal physical action (e.g., “bend a pipe”) or a figurative sense of adjusting norms (e.g., “bend the truth”). The word can underscore flexible motion, transitional states, or slight deviations from a path or guideline.
Alternatives
Depending on context, you can replace “bend” with different words. “Curve” is a close synonym for the shape, but not always for the act of shaping: you might say “the road curves,” but not usually “I curved the wire.” “Flex” works when talking about bending body parts, focusing on muscle engagement—“flex your knees,” though it can sound more fitness-oriented. “Twist” implies rotating or distorting shape more drastically, and “warp” suggests a possibly permanent distortion. For bending rules, phrases like “relax the rules,” “make an exception,” or “loosen up” might suit informal or figurative contexts. In mechanical or physical settings, “angle,” “bow,” or “arc” can clarify specific types of bending. Each alternative steers the sense slightly: “bow” can hint at a graceful or downward motion, “arc” suggests a smooth curve, and “angle” might be more geometric. Select your synonym based on how gentle, forceful, or flexible you want to imply the action or shape is.
Writing
When writing with “bend,” specify what’s bending, how it’s bending, and possibly why. If describing a person’s movement, detail sensations or purposes—“She bent to pick up the fallen leaves, feeling a slight twinge in her back.” In describing objects, highlight material and degree of force—“He bent the metal rod carefully to form a coat hook.” For settings like roads or waterways, “a sudden bend in the river” can build suspense or imagery in narratives. If you use “bend” metaphorically, consider context: “He was willing to bend the rules to keep everyone happy,” or “She wouldn’t bend to their demands.” Additionally, mention surroundings or consequences, such as “After years of use, the shelf began to bend under the weight of the books,” revealing cause (weight) and effect (warp). In instructions or technical writing, keep it direct—“Bend the tubing at a 45-degree angle,” giving clear directions. For more creative prose, you might evoke mood by describing movement or tension: “She felt the floorboards bend beneath her feet, as if the old house had started to sigh.” By weaving details—of pressure, shape, purpose, or outcome—you help readers visualize or sense how and why something is bending.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, “bend” pops up when talking about flexing limbs or adjusting items. You might say, “Can you bend that paper clip for me?” or “Don’t forget to bend your knees when you pick up the box.” If someone modifies rules slightly, you may hear, “We’re bending the house rules just this once—don’t get used to it!” You could also note a physical feature: “The road bends sharply around the lake, so watch your speed.” If a friend complains about a bent phone charger or warped glasses frame, you’ll grasp they’re discussing something that got physically distorted. Using “bend” in everyday speech helps share how things change shape or make a gentle turn—whether that’s a path, an object, or personal guidelines. People might also advise, “Bend, don’t break,” meaning to stay flexible under stress rather than snapping. Overall, “bend” in casual talk typically signals a shift or slight deviation from a straight path, rule, or shape, usually with minimal formality.
Etymology
“Bend” descends from Old English “bendan,” meaning ‘to curve or bow,’ ‘to compel,’ or ‘to strain.’ This root correlates with the Proto-Germanic “bandijan,” connecting to the idea of binding or making taut. Historically, the word encompassed not just a physical shaping but also an exertion of force—like drawing a bowstring. Over centuries, “bend” retained its sense of causing curvature, spanning everything from the muscular action of bending limbs to steering a course around a bend in a road. The figurative sense of bending rules or adapting to pressures emerged as a natural extension, suggesting a pliability or willingness to curve away from strict rigidity. Today, “bend” still connotes turning or shaping, whether physically or metaphorically—fusing older notions of applying force and modern ideas of adjusting shapes, rules, or paths for flexibility or compliance.