WordGarden.iobind
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈaɪnd/
US
- /ˈbaɪnd/
Meanings
Verb
to tie, fasten, or hold tightly together
to place someone under a legal, contractual, or other formal obligation
to wrap and support a wound or injured body part with a bandage or similar covering
More meaningsFewer meanings
to hold ingredients together so a mixture keeps its shape
in computing, to associate a name, key, or control with a value, function, or resource
Noun
a difficult or awkward situation
Beyond the definition
To bind something is to tie it tightly, hold it together, or limit its freedom. Think of binding books with thread, a promise that binds two people together, or feeling bound by duty to help someone in need. It's about creating connections—sometimes helpful, sometimes restrictive.
You might bind hay into bales for storage, or a legal contract can bind you to specific obligations. A storyteller can bind an audience with a captivating tale, holding their attention completely. But be careful! Sometimes things that bind us too tightly can feel suffocating. Literature often speaks of "the ties that bind," suggesting both deep connection and unavoidable constraint.
The word "bind" carries a surprising amount of weight, both literally and figuratively. At its core, to bind means to tie or fasten something securely, often with rope, string, or other material. Think of binding sheaves of wheat together after harvest, or binding a wound to stop the bleeding.
However, "bind" extends far beyond physical connections. It can also mean to unite people through shared obligations or feelings. A promise can bind two friends, a treaty can bind nations, and love can bind hearts. In this sense, it's about creating a strong connection that holds things together.
But "bind" isn't always positive. It can also mean to restrict someone's movement or freedom. A prisoner is bound by chains, and you might feel bound by tradition or duty. Figuratively, something can "bind your hands," meaning it prevents you from acting freely or making your own choices.
In literature, "bind" can carry a sense of commitment or destiny. To be bound to a certain path suggests an unavoidable future. Consider the phrase "bound for glory," which can imply a directed, often hopeful path toward achievement.
Whether it's securing a package, forging a connection, or limiting freedom, "bind" is a versatile word that speaks to the power of connections—both those that liberate and those that restrain.
Examples
- 1
Tying objects
She bound the bundle of letters with a red ribbon.
- 2
Medical care
The nurse bound his ankle tightly after the fall.
- Patternbind a wound/injury
wrap it with cloth or a bandage
- 3
Printing
The shop can print and bind your thesis by Friday.
- 4
Relationships
Shared hardship can bind people together very quickly.
- Patternbind together
create a strong connection
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Legal obligation
By signing this form, you agree to be bound by the contract.
- Patternbe bound by + rule/agreement
be required to obey it
- 6
Work requirement
The scholarship binds her to work in the public sector for two years.
- Patternbind someone to do something
make them officially required to do it
- 7
Moral duty
After everything she had done for me, I felt bound to help.
- Patternfeel bound to + verb
feel that you must do something
- 8
Difficult situation
I'm in a bind because my passport still hasn't arrived.
- Phrasein a bind
in a difficult situation with no easy solution
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- bindnounverb
Forms
- boundpast tensepast participleverbnoun
- binding-ing formverbnoun
- bindsverbnoun