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."

• 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.

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.

Click here to go to the Word of the Day page.