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bind

/baɪnd/

/baɪnd/

Other forms: binding; binds; binded

If you're in a bind, you have been hindered by some situation. You'll find yourself in a bind if you agree to bring dessert to a party, only to realize that you're out of fruit, sugar, and chocolate chips.

The verb bind means to tie, secure, or fasten as with string or rope. When you put a Christmas tree on the top of your car, you need to bind it with twine to make sure it stays there while you drive. The past tense of bind is "bound." To bind is also to create an emotional attachment. Your love for your family binds you to them.

Definitions of bind
  1. verb
    secure with or as if with ropes
    synonyms: tie down, tie up, truss
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    types:
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    chain up
    tie up with chains
    faggot, faggot up, fagot
    bind or tie up in or as if in a faggot
    faggot, fagot
    fasten together rods of iron in order to heat or weld them
    hog-tie
    tie together somebody's limbs
    type of:
    confine, hold, restrain
    to close within bounds, limit or hold back from movement
  2. verb
    fasten or secure with a rope, string, or cord
    synonyms: tie
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    Antonyms:
    unbrace, unlace, untie
    undo the ties of
    types:
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    gag, muzzle
    tie a gag around someone's mouth in order to silence them
    retie
    tie again or anew
    bind off, tie up
    finish the last row
    loop
    fasten or join with a loop
    cord
    bind or tie with a cord
    lash together
    bind together with a cord or rope
    truss
    tie the wings and legs of a bird before cooking it
    leash, rope
    fasten with a rope
    strap
    tie with a strap
    knot
    tie or fasten into a knot
    lash
    bind with a rope, chain, or cord
    band
    bind or tie together, as with a band
    lace, lace up
    draw through eyes or holes
    hobble, hopple
    strap the foreleg and hind leg together on each side (of a horse) in order to keep the legs on the same side moving in unison
    frap
    make secure by lashing
    relace
    lace again
    type of:
    fasten, fix, secure
    cause to be firmly attached
  3. verb
    make fast; tie or secure, with or as if with a rope
    “The Chinese would bind the feet of their women”
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    Antonyms:
    unbind
    untie or unfasten
    types:
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    swaddle, swathe
    wrap in swaddling clothes
    encircle, gird
    bind with something round or circular
    cement
    make fast as if with cement
    hoop
    bind or fasten with a hoop
    type of:
    attach
    cause to be attached
  4. verb
    wrap around with something so as to cover or enclose
    synonyms: bandage
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    type of:
    fasten, fix, secure
    cause to be firmly attached
  5. verb
    stick to firmly
    synonyms: adhere, bond, hold fast, stick, stick to
    adhere, cleave, cling, cohere, stick
    come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
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    types:
    ligate
    bind chemically
    type of:
    attach
    become attached
  6. noun
    something that hinders as if with bonds
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    type of:
    balk, baulk, check, deterrent, handicap, hinderance, hindrance, impediment
    something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
  7. verb
    create social or emotional ties
    synonyms: attach, bond, tie
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    types:
    fixate
    attach (oneself) to a person or thing in a neurotic way
    befriend
    become friends with
    chum up, pal, pal up
    become friends; act friendly towards
    type of:
    relate
    have or establish a relationship to
  8. verb
    bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted
    synonyms: hold, obligate, oblige
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    types:
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    pledge
    bind or secure by a pledge
    article
    bind by a contract; especially for a training period
    indent, indenture
    bind by or as if by indentures, as of an apprentice or servant
    tie down
    restrain from independence by an obligation
    type of:
    relate
    have or establish a relationship to
  9. verb
    form a chemical bond with
    “The hydrogen binds the oxygen”
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    types:
    ligate
    bind chemically
    type of:
    adhere, bond, hold fast, stick, stick to
    stick to firmly
  10. verb
    provide with a binding
    bind the books in leather”
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    types:
    rebind
    provide with a new binding
    type of:
    cover
    provide with a covering or cause to be covered
  11. verb
    cause to be constipated
    synonyms: constipate
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    types:
    obstipate
    constipate severely
    type of:
    indispose
    cause to feel unwell
Pronunciation
US

/baɪnd/

UK

/baɪnd/

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