bend

(bĕnd)

1. To bring (something) into a state of tension: bend a bow.
2. a. To cause to assume a curved or angular shape: bend a piece of iron into a horseshoe.
   b. To force to assume a different direction or shape, according to one's own purpose: “Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events” (Robert F. Kennedy).
   c. To misrepresent; distort: bend the truth.
   d. To relax or make an exception to: bend a rule to allow more members into the club.
3. To cause to swerve from a straight line; deflect.
4. To render submissive; subdue.
5. To apply (the mind) closely: “The weary naval officer goes to bed at night having bent his brain all day to a scheme of victory” (Jack Beatty).
6. Nautical To fasten: bend a mainsail onto the boom.

1. a. To deviate from a straight line or position: The lane bends to the right at the bridge.
   b. To assume a curved, crooked, or angular form or direction: The saplings bent in the wind.
2. To incline the body; stoop.
3. To make a concession; yield.
4. To apply oneself closely; concentrate: She bent to her task.

1. a. The act or fact of bending.
   b. The state of being bent.
2. Something bent: a bend in the road.
3. bends Nautical The thick planks in a ship's side; wales.
4. bends (used with a sing. or pl. verb) Decompression sickness. Used with the.

(bĕnd)

1. Heraldry A band passing from the upper dexter corner of an escutcheon to the lower sinister corner.
2. Nautical A knot that joins a rope to a rope or another object.

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