Word

bind

verb C1

/ˈbaɪ̯nd/

To tie or fasten something securely, or to put someone in a difficult situation.

Meanings

verb

To tie or fasten something tightly, especially with rope, cord, or straps.

verb

To place someone under a legal or moral obligation, or to commit them to an agreement.

noun

A difficult or restrictive situation from which it is hard to escape.

Definition

The word "bind" primarily refers to fastening things together tightly, often with rope or string. It can also describe obligating someone legally or morally to a particular course of action. Additionally, "a bind" is a common idiom used to describe a problematic or restrictive predicament from which it is hard to escape.

Examples

She used a piece of twine to bind the stack of old newspapers before putting them out for recycling.
The surgeon carefully bound the patient's wound with sterile bandages to prevent infection.
Their new employment contract will bind them to the company for a minimum of two years.
I'm in a real bind because I promised to help two different friends move on the same day.
The legal ruling will bind all parties involved to the new terms and conditions.

Common mistake

A common mistake is using the regular past tense form 'binded' instead of the correct irregular form 'bound'.