Bend
/bɛnd/noun
To curve, angle, or cause something to curve from a straight line; also, to lean or bow.
Did you know?The verb and noun bend go back to an old Germanic root meaning to tie or bind, which is why the word can feel like a quiet act of force rather than simple flexing.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhendʰ-
“to tie, bind”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*bandijaną
“to bend, curve, make crooked”
Old English
English
bendan
“to bend, bow, or make curved”
Middle English
English
benden
“to bend, bow, or incline”
Modern English
English
bend
“to curve, angle, or cause to curve”