transitive verb bound, binding bind′·ing

1. to tie together; make fast or tight, as with a rope or band
2. to hold or restrain as if tied or tied down bound by convention
3. to gird or encircle with a belt, girdle, etc.; wrap or fasten around
4. to bandage: often with up
5. to make stick together; make cohere
6. to tighten the bowels of; constipate
7. to strengthen, secure, or ornament the edges of by a band, as of tape
8. to fasten together the printed pages of (a book) and enclose them within a protective cover
9. to secure or make firm (a bargain, contract, etc.)
10. to obligate by duty, love, etc.
11. to compel, as by oath, legal restraint, or contract
12. to make an apprentice of; indenture: often with out or over
13. to unite or hold, as by a feeling of loyalty or love

Etymology: ME binden < OE bindan < IE base *bhendh- > band, bend, Sans badhnti, (he) binds, Goth bindan

intransitive verb

1. to do the act of binding
2. to be or become tight, hard, or stiff
3. to be constricting or restricting
4. to stick together
5. to be obligatory or binding in force

noun

1. anything that binds
2. ☆ Informal a difficult or restrictive situation; jam to be in a bind
3. Music tie ()