bend (A2)

verb

Pronunciation: /bɛnd/

Definition

To curve or turn something so it is no longer straight.

Examples

• You need to bend the wire to make it into a circle.

• The river bends sharply to the left here.

• He bent down to pick up the coin.

How to Use bend

bend down (phrasal verb)

To lower your body by bending at the waist. — "He bent down to tie his shoelaces."

bend over (phrasal verb)

To lean forward from the waist. — "She bent over to pick up the dropped pen."

bend something into (prepositional phrase)

To shape something into a particular form. — "He bent the metal into a hook."

bend to (prepositional phrase)

To yield or submit to someone or something. — "They refused to bend to the demands of the protesters."

Synonyms of bend

Words with a similar meaning to bend:

• curve
• flex
• angle
• contort

Antonyms of bend

Words with the opposite meaning to bend:

• straighten
• unbend

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