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bending

/ˈbɛndɪŋ/

verb

Meaning

  • To cause (something) to change its shape into a curve, by physical force, chemical action, or any other means.

    "Don’t bend your knees."

  • To become curved.

    "Look at the trees bending in the wind."

  • To cause to change direction.

  • To change direction.

    "The road bends to the right"

  • To be inclined; to direct itself.

  • (usually with "down") To stoop.

    "He bent down to pick up the pieces."

  • To bow in prayer, or in token of submission.

  • To force to submit.

    "They bent me to their will."

  • To submit.

    "I am bending to my desire to eat junk food."

  • To apply to a task or purpose.

    "He bent the company's resources to gaining market share."

  • To apply oneself to a task or purpose.

    "He bent to the goal of gaining market share."

  • To adapt or interpret to for a purpose or beneficiary.

  • To tie, as in securing a line to a cleat; to shackle a chain to an anchor; make fast.

    "Bend the sail to the yard."

  • To smoothly change the pitch of a note.

    "You should bend the G slightly sharp in the next measure."

  • To swing the body when rowing.

noun

Meaning

  • A motion or action that bends.

    "a bending of the knees"

  • An instance of something being adapted or distorted.

    "bendings of the rules"