bind

UK: baɪnd | US: baɪnd

Definition

  1. vt. to tie or fasten tightly

  2. vt. to constrain or obligate by legal or moral means

  3. n. a difficult or restrictive situation

Structure
bind <to tie>
Etymology

The word "bind" traces back to Old English bindan, meaning "to tie up or fasten." It shares roots with Germanic languages (e.g., Old High German bintan) and Proto-Indo-European bhendh-, meaning "to bind." The core concept of physical or metaphorical constraint has remained consistent, evolving into legal and figurative uses (e.g., "binding contract").

Examples

  1. She used a rope to bind the packages together.

  2. The agreement will bind both parties for five years.

  3. He felt bound by his promise to help.

  4. The book's spine was tightly bound with leather.

  5. They escaped the bind of financial debt.