Advertisement - Continue reading below

Definition of "bend" []

  • To bring (something) into a state of tension: bend a bow. (verb-transitive)
  • To cause to assume a curved or angular shape: bend a piece of iron into a horseshoe. (verb-transitive)
  • To force to assume a different direction or shape, according to one's own purpose: "Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events” ( Robert F. Kennedy). (verb-transitive)
  • To misrepresent; distort: bend the truth. (verb-transitive)
  • To relax or make an exception to: bend a rule to allow more members into the club. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "bend" in a sentence
  • "Charges set diagonally on the field of a Shield, in the position in which a bend would occupy, are said to be “_in bend_” and are arranged in the same manner: but it would be quite possible to have three or more charges each disposed bendwise; but yet, nevertheless, when taken together occupying the position of a fesse and therefore described also as in fesse."
  • "The word "bend" is thrice repeated: "Against him that bendeth let him that bendeth bend," to imply the utmost straining of the bow."
  • "As sheet bends are used to attach two lines of differing diameter, a double sheet bend is used for two lines of radically differing diameter, with the smaller performing the double wrap around the larger."