Word of the Day: Bind
The word “bind” means to combine, hold, or put things together. Sometimes it’s used when limiting growth or stopping the expansion of something.
- You can bind stacks of paper with string.
- You can bind sheets of paper with glue to make a book.
- Metalworkers use solder to bind pieces of metal together.
- The Chinese used to bind women’s feet to keep them small and petite.
- I have to get a new pair of shoes because the ones I have now are binding my toes.
The word “bind” is often used in the passive voice. The past participle for “bind” is “bound.”
| simple | past | past participle |
|---|---|---|
|
bind
|
bound
|
bound
|
- Books are bound with glue and some kind of string to hold the pages together.
- Doctors are bound by a moral obligation to help their patients and relieve suffering.
- He was bound and gagged when the police found him.
To make the adjective form of the word, add “ing.”
- This contract is legally binding.
The word “bind” is often heard in this popular expression:
I’m in a bind.
She was in a bind, but her father helped her.
Tony got his friend out of a bind.
When you are “in a bind,” you are in trouble and you need help. The problem can take any form, but it often involves money.
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with B page to see the list of all words starting with letter B. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
