bind

 

The word "bind" means to combine, hold, or put things together. Sometimes it’s used when limiting growth or stopping the expansion of something.

  • You can bind stacks of paper with string.
  • You can bind sheets of paper with glue to make a book.
  • Metalworkers use solder to bind pieces of metal together.
  • The Chinese used to bind women’s feet to keep them small and petite.
  • I have to get a new pair of shoes because the ones I have now are binding my toes.

The word "bind" is often used in the passive voice. The past participle for "bind" is "bound."

simplepastpast participle
bind
bound
bound
  • Books are bound with glue and some kind of string to hold the pages together.
  • Doctors are bound by a moral obligation to help their patients and relieve suffering.
  • He was bound and gagged when the police found him.

bound and gagged He was bound and gagged.

To make the adjective form of the word, add "ing."

  • This contract is legally binding.

The word "bind" is often heard in this popular expression:

I’m in a bind.

She was in a bind, but her father helped her.

Tony got his friend out of a bind.

When you are "in a bind," you are in trouble and you need help. The problem can take any form, but it often involves money.

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